Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
St Stephen’s is committed to being a child-safe, inclusive, and transparent Christian community.
We affirm our legal and moral obligations to create a safe environment for children, families, and all who engage with our church.
Child Safe Faith Community
This policy was approved by the Archbishop in Council of the Diocese of Melbourne (March 2018) in compliance with Victorian legislation and child safe standards.
“Let the children come to me and do not hinder them” (Matthew 19:14)
Our aim is to be a church where:
- Children and families are welcome and actively participate
- The care, safety, and welfare of children are embedded in policy and practice
- There is zero tolerance of child abuse
- We maintain high ethical standards and child protection reporting practices
- Children are respected, empowered, and listened to
All allegations and safety concerns are treated seriously, and we are legally and morally required to report them to authorities.
We commit to identifying and reducing risks early.
What Is Child Abuse?
Child abuse is defined in Diocesan Professional Standards legislation and includes:
Racial/Cultural/Religious: Ridicule or contempt based on identity or belief, including covert discrimination or lack of cultural respect.
Physical: Intentional or threatening injury to a child, including bruises, cuts, burns, fractures, and excessive physical punishment.
Sexual: Involving a child in sexual activity, including fondling, penetration, voyeurism, or exhibitionism.
Emotional/Psychological/Spiritual: Rejecting, isolating, threatening, or verbally abusing a child.
Neglect: Failing to provide life essentials where a child’s wellbeing is at risk.
Training & Supervision
All office holders, staff, and volunteers are trained in child safety and sign the Child Safety Code of Conduct.
We provide ongoing supervision to ensure staff understand their responsibilities.
We promote cultural safety for Aboriginal children, CALD communities, and children with disabilities.
Recruitment & Screening
All child-related workers must hold a Working with Children Check and Kooyoora clearance.
The Kooyoora Office performs reference and police checks.
Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged.
Inappropriate behaviour is reported to:
- Kooyoora
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Victoria Police, depending on severity
We aim to employ skilled and ethical staff, in accordance with both legal and moral standards.
Privacy
- Personal information is safeguarded.
- We disclose personal data only if there’s a safety risk.
- Individuals are informed about how data is used and stored.
Fair Procedures & Privacy
All recruitment, incident assessment, and discipline processes are thorough, transparent, and evidence-based.
All allegations are documented via incident reporting forms and securely stored.
Allegations are kept confidential under Diocesan law.
Legal & Reporting Obligations
In Victoria, all adults must report suspected child sexual abuse.
Church leaders are also required to act if they know of risks and do not act to reduce them.
We follow:
- Mandatory Reporting Laws
- Failure to Disclose/Protect laws
- Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005
Regular Review
Our Safe Church policies are reviewed every two years and after major incidents. We actively seek input from children, families, and diverse communities.
Responding to Concerns
Everyone in our community is encouraged to speak up. A reasonable belief of abuse must be reported.
Signs of abuse may include:
- A child discloses abuse
- Sudden changes in behaviour
- Unexplained injuries
- Suspicious conduct by adults
Child Safe Officer
Our designated Child Safe Officer is:
Cassie Calder
She is available to speak with you about any questions or concerns.
Kooyoora Office of Professional Standards
Kooyoora handles all misconduct complaints involving clergy or church officers.
1800 135 246 (Confidential line)
More info: Kooyoora Website