There are three core standards to the Church’s Safeguarding Children Policy. The three standards are linked, and no standard is more important than another.

Each of these new standards sets out the Church teaching (Gospel or scriptural) imperatives, alongside relevant specific articles in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The purpose of doing this is to remind Church personnel that child safeguarding is fundamental to the ministry of the Church.

Leadership, Governance & Accountability

“Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all … whoever welcome one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcome me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:33-37.)

Nurturing a Culture of Safeguarding

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing.” (Psalm 127: 3)

Responding Pastorally & Responding
according to Civil Law and Canon Law

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10)