Almost all Auckland parishes have completed safeguarding reviews

In a report in the diocese’s monthly newsletter, the appointment of the safeguarding lead in 2019 saw the local safeguarding programme begin in earnest.

Since 2019, around 4500 volunteers, staff, clergy and religious have participated in safeguarding workshops, with attendance rates very high. A new workshop model now offers both face-to-face and online learning.

Within the safeguarding workshop, people are encouraged to speak up when something is not right. Feedback shows that workshops increase participants’ awareness, and are helpful and relevant for a participant’s ministry.

All but two parishes have had their first safeguarding review, with 35 parishes having completed their second review.

The recommendations have been well accepted, with changes including the upgrade of reconciliation rooms, separating altar servers from clergy when robing and an increased awareness of safeguarding practices.

While compliance processes are an important component of safeguarding, culture change is vital to achieve the diocese’s goal of a “Safe Church for Everyone Every Day”, the report outlined.

The diocesan focus is now on the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and the recommendations from the independent review of national safeguarding standards carried out by GCPS. These documents are seen as an opportunity to continue preventative measures, consider responses and work with survivors.

FULL STORY

Safeguarding well underway in Auckland diocese (NZ Catholic/Catholic Diocese of Auckland)