The Catholic Church is committed to celebrating and safeguarding the involvement of young people in our communities. We believe that young individuals are valuable members of our church family, and their voices, ideas, and contributions are essential.
In order to fully celebrate and encourage our young people to enjoy life in our church community, protecting them is a top priority. The church works diligently to ensure that all young members are treated with respect and care. We have guidelines and policies that guide how adults interact with young people to create safe spaces. These guidelines help prevent any form of harm or mistreatment. If anyone has worries or questions, there are trustworthy adults and support networks available to help.
By celebrating and safeguarding young people, the Catholic Church creates an environment where they can explore their faith, develop friendships, and contribute positively to our community. Your wellbeing and participation matter to us, and we’re here to make sure you have a safe and joyful experience within our church family.
Kids’ Voices Art Competition: My Church community is a safe place for me
As part of our commitment to zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harm to children or any person, the Diocese of Parramatta is running our first Art competition for children and young people!
This inaugural Diocesan Art Competition is an opportunity for you to share your voice using your artistic skills.
The Art Competition is open to anyone between the ages of 5 and 19 years and seeks to uncover, through art, what makes you feel safe in your Church community. Please use your art to share your voice and participate in the decisions that directly impact you.
Winning entries may be developed further to become Diocesan logos that will link to age-appropriate online safeguarding resources for children and young people.
National Child Protection Week
National Child Protection Week is an important event in Australia that takes place each year. Founded by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), it’s a special time when we all come together to focus on creating a safe and secure environment for our children and vulnerable individuals in the community. This week is all about raising awareness and understanding about how we can protect our young ones from harm and ensure their wellbeing.
If you’re someone who works with children or those who might need a little extra care, National Child Protection Week is especially important for you. It’s a reminder of our shared responsibility to keep kids safe from any kind of harm or mistreatment. It’s a time for us to learn more about how to recognise signs of potential danger, and what steps we can take to prevent it. By participating in this week, we’re saying “yes” to making our community a better place for everyone, where each child can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
Child Safety Resources
More Safeguarding Resources >>