Congregation of St Brigid
Safeguarding Statement
Children and Adults at Risk
As a Congregation, the Brigidine Sisters we follow the example of the Gospel in the service of others and in doing so value the right of every person to dignity and respect.
We have zero tolerance to abuse and exploitation and committed to promoting and maintaining safe and supportive environments in which the protection of children and adults at risk is paramount.
Safeguarding Approach
Compliance and policies: Our policies and procedures for safeguarding children and adults at risk comply with Canon law, safeguarding standards and the relevant guidelines and legislation in each civil jurisdiction in which our sisters, employees and volunteers are engaged in ministry. Safeguarding policies are reviewed and updated in accordance with the requirements of the Catholic Church and civil laws.
Transparency and Engagement:
Appropriate ongoing training and education is provided regularly for all our sisters, employees and volunteers. Where Brigidine sisters work in other than Brigidine sponsored ministries they also follow the safeguarding policies of the organisations in which they work. In the absence of there being appropriate policies in these workplaces, sisters follow their Brigidine Community policy and procedures.
In our commitment to a culture of transparency and accountability we value the participation and feedback of children, adults at risk, families and the community into our safeguarding policies and practices and our safeguarding policies are available on our public website.
Accountability and reporting: Our policies and procedures require any safeguarding concerns to be acted upon in a timely and professional manner. Safeguarding concerns are to be responded to in accordance with the law of the relevant civil jurisdiction and in consideration of Canon law. Any allegation of a criminal nature is to be reported to the police in the relevant jurisdiction.
Responding to person affected by abuse: The Congregation is committed to responding with sensitivity and compassion to those affected by abuse and enable appropriate supports to be made available as needed. The Congregation engages in the relevant civil jurisdictional procedures for redress and civil claims.
Revised: 30 April 2024
Click the links below to access policies that are relevant to each jurisdiction where Brigidines are engaged in ministry.
Ireland-UK Brigidine Community Child Safeguarding Statement March 2024
http://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/safeguarding/
Brigidine Sisters USA Professional Standards Policy
Charter-for-the-Protection-of-Children-and-Young-People-2018-US
Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd Standards
BSCCA – BSRGA TOR April 2024
If you wish to contact Brigidine Safeguarding Reference Group Australia please email us at: Safeguarding@brigidine.org.au
BSCCA – Complaint Handling Policy & Procedures for Safeguarding Matters
BSCCA – Risk Management Strategy
New Zealand is covered by the policies of BSCCA
Brigidine Sisters, Australia were accepted into the National Redress Scheme on 1st February 2020. Persons wishing to enquire about claims should go to https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/
National Redress Scheme – Fact Sheet
The Brigidine Sisters of Victoria recognise the rights of children and young people to enjoy a safe environment in which to live and develop. We adhere to the recommendations and policies of the Commission for Children and Young People. https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/
Mandatory reporting to Child Protection in Victoria