CHILD PROTECTION

The following is a summary of the seminars conducted around the Diocese in November 2000

CCD INPUT:

• Who is involved?        - Parish groups
                                  - Parish Priest
                                  - CCD
                                  - Diocese of Broken Bay

• CCD authorisation procedures
• Processing of authorisation documents
• Assistance available from CCD/Diocese

CHILD PROTECTION (PROHIBITED EMPLOYMENT) ACT

Who is involved?

PARISH BASED GROUPS INVOLVED IN CHILD-RELATED EMPLOYMENT (VOLUNTEERS OR IN PAID EMPLOYMENT):

CATECHISTS (SPECIAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATORS)

SACRAMENTAL TEAMS

CHILDRENS’ LITURGY

YOUTH GROUPS

ANTIOCH

RCIC

RCIA

TRAINERS / SUPERVISORS OF ALTAR SERVERS

TRAINERS / SUPERVISORS OF READERS

CHOIR

SINGING GROUPS

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

SUPERVISORS / PARTICIPANTS - PARISH CAMPS OR EXCURSIONS

MEMBERS OF RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS WORKING IN THE PARISH

VISITING SPEAKERS

SHORT TERM  ASSISTANTS

PARISH STAFF

PARISH MEMBERS WHO ARE INVOLVED (OR MAY BE INVOLVED) WITH DIRECT, UNSUPERVISED CONTACT WITH CHILDREN.

WHO IS THE ‘EMPLOYER’ IN YOUR PARISH?

THE PARISH PRIEST

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EMPLOYER?

• AN EMPLOYER MUST OBTAIN FROM EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE OR WHO MAY HAVE UNSUPERVISED CONTACT WITH CHILDREN CONFIRMATION THAT THEY ARE NOT PROHIBITED PERSONS.

• AN EMPLOYER MUST NOT EMPLOY ANYONE WITHOUT EVIDENCE THAT HE OR SHE IS NOT A PROHIBITED PERSON.

• PLACE ALL COMPLETED RETURNED CONFIRMATIONS IN A SECURE AND CONFIDENTIAL AREA WITHIN THE PARISH FACILITIES.

CCD AUTHORISATION PROCEDURE  

as at 24 October 2000

1. Current Special Religious Education Teacher (Catechist)

Document:  Prohibited Employment Declaration

 

2. A new Special Religious Education teacher before entering the classroom will need to sign:

Document:  Contract

Document:  Department of Education and Training Declaration

Document:  Prohibited Employment Declaration

Green Authorisation Card (SIGNED BY Parish Priest)

3. An SRE observer or visitor before entering the classroom will need to sign:

Document:  Temporary Authorisation Declaration

Document:  Prohibited Employment Declaration

• Provision of information about the Act and its implications for Parishes in the Diocese;

• Provision of ongoing in-service / information programmes to update Child Protection material;

• Assistance for Individuals who may require clarification about their position under the Act;

• Assistance for Parish groups (e.g. catechists) in liaising with outside bodies (e.g. Government schools) to clarify authorisation procedures;

• Implementing procedures to ensure the security and accessibility of signed declarations;

• Other?

Alison Newell
    
Postal address:
PO Box 340
Pennant Hills NSW 1715

Phone:  9847 0492
Fax:      9847 0501
E-mail: ccdinfo@dbb.org.au