The National Redress Scheme is a commonwealth run redress scheme for responding to historical child sexual abuse in institutions. The Catholic Church in SA and NT has joined the scheme.

To get more information on the scheme go to  https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/ https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/ or call 1800 737 377.

To access legal advice you can contact Knowmore Legal Service on 1800 605 762 or go to https://knowmore.org.au

1.   Responding to complaints of Historical Abuse within the church. 

The National Response Protocol is a new overarching framework for the Catholic Church in Australia to respond consistently to people raising concerns or allegations of child abuse. The National Response Protocol outlines principles and procedures for responding to adults and children who have been subjected to abuse by Church personnel.

The National Response Protocol was adopted by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) and came into effect for all dioceses and ACBC member entities from 1 February 2021.

The National Response Protocol replaces Towards Healing which ceased on 1 January 2022.

Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd (ACSL) is currently progressing resources to assist with the implementation of the National Response Protocol. 

For information and advice about the National Response Protocol, please contact ACSL at complaints.response@acsltd.org.au

View the National Response Protocol

https://www.acsltd.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/NATIONAL-RESPONSE-PROTOCOL-January-2021.pdf

Other protocols used in the management of complaints

Towards Healing: Towards Healing was first introduced in 1996 to provide guidance about how to manage and respond to complaints of abuse by clergy and religious. It is being replaced by the National Response Protocol from 2022.

SA & NT Professional Standards Office offers a trauma informed response to adults who were subjected to child abuse in the past by church personnel and clergy. 

If you would like further information or to make a complaint – T: (08) 8210 8275 or E: receptionprofstandards@adelaide.catholic.org.au

 

See flow chart below.

2.   Responding to boundary violations and misconduct by clergy.

Integrity in Ministry is a code of conduct for clergy and religious engaged in ministry on behalf of the Catholic Church in Australia. It was developed in 2004 and outlines the principles and standards of behaviour for Catholic clergy and members of religious institutes in Australia.

A review of Integrity in Ministry is now underway in line with the Royal Commission recommendation.

View Integrity in Ministry – https://www.acsltd.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Integrity-in-Ministry.pdf

SA & NT Professional Standards Office offers a trauma informed response to adults who subjected to boundary violations and misconduct by clergy.

If you would like further information or to make a complaint – T: (08) 8210 8275 or E: receptionprofstandards@adelaide.catholic.org.au

See flowchart for Church Authorities below.