Child Safeguarding Statement

Every individual engaged with any activity in Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Lismore has a responsibility to do their part to keep children safe.

The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited (DLCSL) provides a range of services to support approximately 2,500 staff in 45 vibrant and dynamic Catholic school communities serving more than 18,000 students. The DLCSL is actively committed to fostering communities of safeguarding that recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children and young persons. Our commitment is drawn from the teaching and mission of Jesus Christ, in love and justice, whereby the dignity and sacredness of each child is respected. This is consistent with our Mission ‘Enabling students to achieve the fullness of life’ (John 10:10).

Every person engaged with the work of the DLCSL seeks to uphold the dignity of all children and young persons and commits to establishing safe and supportive relationships.

We encourage open communication whereby families and communities are informed of relevant issues and participate in decisions about the safety of children and young persons. It is particularly important to us to look for avenues to empower children and young persons to have a say and be listened to. We actively seek to become aware of and remain informed of the causes and signs of child abuse and neglect.

When we receive information about concerns or witness any matter relating to abuse of a child or young person, we respond in a timely manner and report any such concerns to the appropriate authority. This includes contacting the police immediately where there may be immediate risk of harm to any person, especially a child or young person. DLCSL has documented policies and procedures to prevent risks to children and young persons and build a strong culture of safeguarding. All staff and volunteers are expected to follow these policies and procedures and contribute to the culture of care and protection of all children.

We plan, organise and review all activities with children and young persons, proactively considering potential risks and strive to ensure risks are reduced, and eliminated where possible. Each person is encouraged to communicate any area of concern or where they think our approach may need improvement. As a child and youth-serving organisation we must be constantly alert and to limit opportunities for offending and grooming.

We are committed to regular internal and external auditing of our safeguarding policies and practices to make sure that they always support a culture and practice that puts the safety of children at the centre of our thinking and action. We listen to the voices of children and young persons as we constantly strive to remain alert and make improvements.

For more information or to raise a concern, please contact the Catholic Schools Office on 02 6622 0422 or director@lism.catholic.edu.au.