New Edition of Catholic Safeguarding Standards
In December 2022, Australian Catholic Safeguarding release their Second Edition of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS). The Second edition of the NCSS releases just before the five year anniversary of the Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse’s final report. This edition of the NCSS incorporates the concept of safeguarding for adults at risk. The Second Edition addresses findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. It also covers the initial learnings from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
The addition of adults at risk is in response to the many historical abuse claims that continue to come to light, and recognising adults as a class of persons reasonably at risk. This is a significant and meaningful change to the standards that better reflects the outcomes of the Royal Commission. The changes are also a reflection of the implementation of the 2019 standards and what was still lacking in their previous form for entities using them.
Purpose
The purpose of the NCSS is to assist religious entities in providing safe and nurturing environments for those engaged. They provide a church recognised standard for religious entities to abide by and refer to. The standards further operate to recognise the outcomes of the Royal Commission. The first standards released in 2019 were a direct response by the church to the Commission findings. As a result, the Standards are a continuing commitment to better practice and protection for those at risk.
The National Catholic Safeguarding Standards Edition 2, can be accessed here.
In addition, ACSL has also released a Compendium of supplementary material to assist reading, which can be accessed here.
Integroe Partners can assist organisations in ensuring their practices are aligned with the NCSS Edition 2.
To speak to us about your specific needs, or to obtain a full list of our services, please contact our team.
Phone: (02) 9181 5001
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