Safeguarding children and vulnerable people

Our safeguarding commitment

Centacare is part of the Archdiocese of Brisbane. The Archdiocese has zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and is committed to safeguarding everyone involved in its activities, ministries and services. We believe the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable people is paramount. Find out more about the Archdiocese approach to safeguarding.

At Centacare, we manage any safeguarding issues in accordance with our internal safeguarding policy and the following external resources:

• The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
• The National Catholic Safeguarding Standards
• National Standards for Disability Services
• Aged Care Quality Standards

Our commitment to safeguarding children

Centacare is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people, and we will treat them with respect and understanding at all times.

We will maintain a high standard of professional service to them and their families.

Our language and behaviour, interactions and decisions will always be guided by what is in the best interests of children and young people and for their protection from harm.

As part of our commitment to protecting children and young people, Centacare is legally required to report any suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities, in the best interests of the child and the community.

Reporting

Centacare requires all staff and volunteers to perform their duties to the highest professional standards. If you have a safeguarding concern regarding a Centacare service, this should be reported to:

Phone: 1300 236 822

Email: [email protected]

Or you can complete this contact form.

 

STOPline Service

Reports about abuse, harm and other serious misconduct by Centacare, Catholic Early EdCare or Archdiocesan personnel can also be made to an independent external service, STOPline.

STOPline is an independent commercial service that receives confidential information and reports about suspected abuse, serious misconduct and policy breaches by Archdiocesan personnel, including clergy, religious, employees and volunteers.

STOPline is available to all Archdiocesan personnel, volunteers and the general community.

Information can be provided to STOPline anonymously, either by phone, email or online.

Phone: 1300 304 550

Email: [email protected]

Visit the STOPline website

Anyone who has knowledge of criminal offending against a child or vulnerable person, by Centacare, Catholic Early EdCare, or Archdiocesan personnel, is strongly encouraged to report the matter directly to the Queensland Police Service.

If the situation is an emergency, or a child or adult is at immediate or life-threatening risk, please contact 000.

If a child or adult is at risk of serious harm, contact the Queensland Police Service directly on Policelink 131 444.

 

Support available

If the information on this page has raised concerns for you, there are many services available that you can reach out to. This includes:

• Lifeline: Phone 13 11 14
• Parentline: Phone 1300 30 1300
• Family and Child Connect: Phone 13 32 64
• National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
• Bravehearts: Phone 1800 272 831
• Kids Helpline: Phone 1800 55 1800
• Queensland Child Safety Services: Phone 1800 177 135
• National Disability Counselling and Referral Service: Phone 1800 421 468
• Elder Abuse Helpline: Phone 1300 651 192