Reporting Child Abuse and Sexual Abuse of Adults
Any member of the clergy or a church worker who is concerned about child abuse or you should contact NSW Police 1800 333 000 directly. They should also make a report to the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 (https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/families/Protecting-kids/mandatory-reporters/how-to)
If a member of the clergy or a church worker is unsure about contacting NSW Police or the Child Protection Helpline or need assistance in reporting they should contact the Director of Professional Standards dps@newcastleanglican.org.au or ring 1800 774 945
The Director of Professional Standards is the lead officer for responding to disclosures of child abuse, sexual abuse or criminal conduct. The work of the Diocesan Director of Professional Standards is overseen by the Professional Standards Committee.
Dealing with Complaints
The Incumbent of the parish is available to parishioners and to those who utilise the services of the parish to receive expressions of concern or receive complaints. Where a matter involves the Incumbent a parishioner may express concern or make a complaint to an Assistant Bishop or an Archdeacon
Bishop for the Inland Episcopate – BishopSonia@NewcastleAnglican.org.au
Bishop for the Coastal Episcopate – BishopCharlie@NewcastleAnglican.org.au
Archdeacon of Newcastle – ArthurCopeman@NewcastleAnglican.org.au
The Incumbent, an Archdeacon or the Assistant Bishop may direct or assist a person expressing concern or making a complaint to contact the Director of Professional Standards DPS@NewcastleAnglican.org.au or ring 1800 774 945
The Diocese maintains a complaints email. This should not be used for matters relating child abuse or sexual abuse of adults. Those matters should be reported directly to the Professional Standards Director (see above). The complaints email is complaints@newcastleanglican.org.au
Promoting access to the Professional Standards Office and Kids Helpline
Parishes will ensure that a copy of the Professional Standards Office & Kids Helpline contact poster is placed on the main notice board in each church building, on the inside of each cubicle door in a toilet in a church, parish hall or parish office and near the wash-hand basin in each toilet in a church, parish hall or parish office.
Policy Updated – 5 July 2020