Introduction
At the heart of our Christian mission is the unwavering commitment to ensuring that all children and young people feel safe, respected, and protected within our church community. The Holy Protection Cathedral, its clergy and laity upholds the Child Safe Policy of the Australian and New Zealand Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, which aligns with national Child Safe Standards. Our approach is grounded in zero tolerance for harm and a proactive culture of care, accountability, and transparency in all parish activities involving children.  You can read the full Child Safety Policy here

Key Attributes of the Child Safe Policy

• Zero Harm Culture: Commitment to an environment where all forms of harm are preventable and child safety is embedded in leadership and culture.
• Code of Conduct: Clear expectations for behaviour and conduct by clergy, volunteers, and church workers. A copy of the Code of Conduct is found online
• Screening & Training: Mandatory Working With Children/Vulnerable People Checks and ongoing child safety training.
• Child Empowerment: Respect for children’s voices and their participation in decisions that affect them.
• Family Engagement: Recognition of families’ primary role and transparent communication with parents.
• Equity and Inclusion: Respect for diversity and proactive support for children with vulnerabilities.
• Clear Reporting Procedures: Detailed, child-focused processes for reporting and investigating complaints or concerns.
• Ongoing Improvement: Regular review and enhancement of policies, procedures, and practices.
• Physical & Online Safety: Risk management for both physical and online environments to prevent harm.
  
  

Parish Responsibilities
Each parish within the Diocese is responsible for:

• Appointing Two Child Safety Contact Persons (one male and one female) with current WWCC or WWVP and appropriate training.
  
• Ensuring Compliance: Making sure all parish clergy, volunteers, and workers adhere to the policy, Code of Conduct, and child safety requirements.
• Risk Management: Developing risk management plans for high-risk activities or special events involving children.
• Training and Awareness: Promoting ongoing training and ensuring parishioners are informed about child safety practices.
• Incident Reporting: Maintaining accurate records of incidents, concerns, and complaints, and reporting them in line with policy and legal obligations.
• Annual Reporting: Submitting an annual Child Safe Child Friendly Parish Report to the Diocese Office detailing activities, checks, and improvements.

• Child Safety Officers: The designated Child Safety Officers for the parish are the Rector, Head Sister, Warden, and Secretary. These individuals are trusted members of the parish leadership and are trained to support and respond to child safety concerns in line with Diocesan policy.
  
  

What to Do If You Have a Concern for a Child 
If you are concerned for the safety or well being of a child or young person, please follow these steps:

1. Act Promptly - If a child is in immediate danger, call 000.
2. Report the Concern - Speak with one of the Parish Child Safety Officers — the Rector, Head Sister, Warden, or Secretary — as soon as possible. You may also contact the Diocesan Office directly.
3. Provide Key Details - Share as much information as you can about what you’ve seen, heard, or suspect. All concerns will be treated seriously and confidentially.
4. Record the Incident - The Child Safety Officer will complete a formal Incident Report Form, noting the time, date, location, individuals involved, and nature of the concern or disclosure.
5. Follow Up - If the concern involves reportable conduct (such as physical or sexual abuse), it will be escalated to the relevant authorities in accordance with legal and Diocesan requirements.
6. Support - Children, families, and affected parties will be offered support and pastoral care throughout the process.