Child Safety

Every child has the right to be informed, heard, respected, empowered, and to feel safe. As school communities and as individuals, we commit to keeping children and young people safe, and to work together with them to create cultures that honour dignity and enrich wellbeing. 

We're a child safe organisation

In caring for children and young people, we must act in their best interests and take all reasonable steps to ensure their safety. While all agencies that deal with children have particular responsibilities for the protection of the children in their care, child safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Respecting the dignity of every person is a pillar of the Catholic faith. Our Catholic school communities are called to ensure the welfare of all of their members, especially the most vulnerable. The safety of the students entrusted to our care is our most serious responsibility. In taking up this responsibility alongside parents, we are committed to:

• Inspiring hope and a positive vision for the future;
• Ensuring the care of the whole student is at the centre of every Catholic school;
• Taking a preventative approach to child safety by design;
• Developing appropriate responses to individuals or families in crisis;
• Working collaboratively with other agencies involved in the care and protection of children; and
• Reporting serious child safety concerns to the relevant authorities, in line with mandatory reporting obligations.

Child Safety Resources

Child safety concerns can come up for a variety of reasons. It’s not always obvious what the best course of action is or where to go for help. Taking proactive steps is always a good idea, so we’ve put together a list of trusted sources you may find helpful.

• National Office for Child Safety
• Family Connect and Support
• Kids Helpline
• eSafety Commissioner
• Think U Know
• NSW Department of Communities & Justice
• Australian Human Rights Commission

Do you have a child safety concern? Contact our child safety team.

Our team of dedicated Child Safety specialists operate as part of the Catholic Education Office’s People and Culture service area. Whether you’re a parent, student, staff member, or member of the community, we strongly encourage you to contact our team if you have a child safety concern or need any kind of assistance. 

You can email us at childprotection@dow.catholic.edu.au or call us directly on (02) 4250 9555.