Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

St. Bernard’s Catholic Parish, along with the Archdiocese of Melbourne, is deeply committed to the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as a key responsibility of the Church. This commitment is founded in the teachings and mission of Jesus Christ, and lived out with love and justice to ensure the dignity of each human person.  We acknowledge that children, young people and vulnerable adults may require additional safeguards to promote their safety and well-being and promote their participation.

Clergy, employees and volunteers are committed to upholding the right to safety of all persons and to participate in creating a culture of safety supported by policies, practices and procedures that strive to prevent abuse in the first instance and to respond appropriately and effectively if abuse does occur.  Across the Archdiocese, we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming Church that enables its people to grow and develop in their faith free from abuse, harm and neglect.

Our parish has well-documented policy and protocol documents based on CAM (Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne) advice and directives. These documents are displayed in St Bernard’s Church Gathering Space.