Child Protection

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are committed to providing safe environments for students. Whilst we have a legal obligation to protect children, this commitment is central to our Catholic beliefs. All schools in NSW are required to meet the statutory obligations of legislation relating to child protection and schools in this diocese are required to uphold the policies and guidelines set out by the Catholic Schools Office.

At St Patrick's, we believe that all children have a right to a safe environment which is free from any form of abuse or harm. We believe that relationships between adults and children are governed by trust and Gospel values.

On 15 June 2013, The Child Protection (Working with Children) Regulation 2013 made under The Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 came into force. The Regulation applies to any person working in child related employment including both paid and volunteer work.

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has an absolute and abiding commitment to promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children. The agency known as Office of Safeguarding provides child protection services for all of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Mandatory Reporting 

All staff have a responsibility to recognise and respond to safety, welfare or wellbeing concerns for children and young people and inform their principal. It is the responsibility of principals and staff to report suspected risk of significant harm concerns to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). 

ROSH - Risk Of Significant Harm 

Principals and staff must report concerns about suspected risk of harm directly to the DCJ (Department of Communities and Justice).