SAFEGUARDING

The safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults is our primary focus.

In keeping with Gospel values, our Mary Ward heritage and Catholic Social Teaching, Loreto Ministries upholds the dignity of every person and their right to flourish in an environment that is safe, supportive and life-affirming.

Loreto Ministries Safeguarding Commitment

In keeping with Gospel values, our Mary Ward heritage and Catholic Social Teaching, Loreto Ministries, and all who share in its work - directors, employees, volunteers, and all who work or volunteer in its educational ministries - uphold the dignity of the human person and the right of every person to flourish in an environment that is safe and supportive, caring and compassionate, nurturing and life-affirming.

The ongoing safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults is an integral aspect of our work and is the primary focus of care and decision making, with particular attention paid to the safety and wellbeing of those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those of diverse sexuality, and those with a disability.

Loreto Ministries takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

This commitment to the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults through the provision of a safe and supportive environment is approved and endorsed by the Directors of Loreto Ministries.

Margaret Kennedy

Chair, Loreto Ministries

July 2024

Our commitment covers protection from:

  • Emotional abuse

  • Exploitation

  • Neglect

  • Physical abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Witnessing family violence

NCSS Commitment Badge

THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS

As part of this commitment, Loreto Ministries has adopted the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. These Standards underpin our Safeguarding Policy and complement our Safeguarding Code of Conduct. They are designed to:

1.

Create an environment where children, young people and vulnerable adults' safety and wellbeing are at the centre of thought, values and actions.

2.

Place emphasis on genuine engagement with, and valuing of, children, young people and vulnerable adults in their own right.

3.

Create conditions that reduce the likelihood of harm occurring within our schools and ministries.

4.

Create conditions that increase the likelihood of identifying any harm, and provide a framework for responding to any concerns, disclosures, allegations or suspicions.

SAFEGUARDING DOCUMENTS

The following frameworks guide formation across boards, leadership teams and school communities. All are available as downloadable PDFs.

SAFEGUARDING ENQUIRIES AND REPORTS

If a person forms a reasonable belief that abuse of a child or vulnerable adult has occurred, they must report the concern to the Safeguarding Coordinator and follow mandatory reporting requirements.

Loreto Ministries has a Safeguarding Committee to lead the Safeguarding framework. For Loreto Schools go to their websites for their contact officers.

For any enquiries or reports contact the Safeguarding Coordinator at: