TOWARDS A CULTURE OF SAFEGUARDING Diocese of Liverpool 2015

National Training for Priests & Religious Three modules... AIM: Module 1 Introduce participants to safeguarding as part of everyday ministry. Module 2 Raise awareness in relation to protecting the young and the vulnerable. Module 3 Raise awareness on creating a safer environment.

Our Learning Environment Everyone’s opinion is of value Questions are welcome No one will dominate the conversation Everyone will have an opportunity to express their view We will all listen when others are speaking Challenges will be respectful We will only share things we are comfortable to share We will respect the confidentiality if someone shares something personal Mobile phones will be on silent Is there anything else you would like to add to this list?

MODULE 1: SAFEGUARDING AS MINISTRY / CONTEXTUAL UNDERSTANDING What is Safeguarding? There are three concepts associated with safeguarding: Promotion Prevention Protection Growing recognition of the benefits of prevention and early intervention has influenced the development of national policy and resulted in a shift from narrow focus of protection to wider focus on safeguarding.

Learning from the past

1. A Royal Commission into child sexual abuse in Australia began hearing evidence into allegations of abuse at four Salvation Army homes for children between 1966 and 1977   The Church of England is facing a new child protection scandal after accusations that the former archbishop of York failed to report allegations of child abuse by a senior clergyman. Twenty BBC employees have faced 36 allegations of sexually abusing children and teenagers since the Jimmy Savile scandal. 4. Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham (1997 – 2013) At least 1,400 children were sexually exploited in Rotherham by gangs of men who were predominantly of Pakistani origin between 1997 and 2013. 5. An independent report into Winterbourne View said fundamental changes are needed in how care of vulnerable adults is commissioned and monitored. 2012

“The Catholic Church is striving towards a culture of safeguarding where all are safe from harm and abuse and where every person is encouraged and enabled to enjoy the fullness of life in Jesus Christ through the prayerful, caring, nurturing, supportive and protective endeavours of the Catholic community, both individually and collectively.” ’Towards a Culture of Safeguarding’ (2012)

“The process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care that enables children to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood Successfully”. ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ (2010)

Safeguarding… an imposition? Throughout its history the Catholic Church has sought to promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, and this continues today. This is demonstrated by the provision of carefully planned activities for children, young people and adults.

Some ideas and thoughts Safeguarding is a way of thinking and working It’s something we all need to take responsibility for It has never been easy Each of us can make a difference We all have a role in creating a culture of safeguarding xxxxx

TASK 1 Give examples of the activities the Catholic Church has engaged in over the years that sought to promote wellbeing? 5 min

TASK 2 In pairs: Discuss what activities go on in your parish that you would regard as safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children / young people / or adults. 5 Min