Safeguarding Documents
At the heart of the Catholic Church’s mission is a deep commitment to the dignity and safety of every person, especially the most vulnerable among us. These safeguarding documents are essential tools in protecting the dignity, safety and wellbeing of us all particularly Children and Adults at Risk.
These resources provide access to key safeguarding documents developed for use across the Archdiocese of Hobart. Each policy is designed to guide our shared efforts in preventing harm, responding appropriately to concerns and nurturing a culture where trust and accountability are paramount. Collectively, these documents help guide our commitment to ensuring safety and protection for every member of our community.
- Children & At Risk Persons Protection Policy
- Diversity & Inclusion Policy
- Privacy Policy
- Privacy Statement
- Record Keeping Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Safe Communities Complaints Handling Policy
- Safeguarding Framework
- Safeguarding Policy
- Safeguarding Risk Assessment Form
- Safe Communities Risk Management Plan
Integrity in Our Common Mission
In response to the final report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and as a continuation of the ongoing initiatives that support the diverse pastoral ministries within the Church, Integrity in Our Common Mission has been introduced as the primary code of conduct for clergy, religious and laypeople.
This framework has been designed to guide, nurture and reinforce the behaviours expected from all individuals involved in the Church’s ministries, whether in parish and sacramental life, education, healthcare, community services and pastoral care.
Our Common Mission
Our Common Mission encompasses all those engaged in Catholic ministry and service. It is grounded in a strengths-based approach to safeguarding and integrity.
Our Common Mission outlines key responsibilities, such as mandatory reporting, supervision, reporting boundary violations and acting within expertise. Failure to adhere to these responsibilities may lead to criminal or professional consequences.
Our Common Mission does not provide specific guidance on addressing unacceptable or criminal behaviour. Concerns and complaints are addressed in Standard 6 of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standard (NCSS), which outlines the procedures for raising concerns and complaints.
Vos Estis Lux Mundi
In May 2019 Pope Francis issued the apostolic letter motu proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi.
Vos Estis Lux Mundi sets out complaint and investigation procedures regarding crimes of sexual abuse committed by clerics and member of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and concealing crimes of sexual abuse by Bishops and their equivalents.