What is Safeguarding?
Every human being has a value and dignity which we as Catholics acknowledge as coming directly from God’s creation of male and female in his own image and likeness. This implies a duty to value all people and therefore to support them and protect them from harm.
In the Catholic Church this is demonstrated by the provision of carefully planned activities for children, young people and adults; supporting families under stress; caring for those hurt by abuse in the past; ministering to and managing those who have caused harm.
It is because of these varied ministries that we need to provide a safe environment for all which promotes and supports their wellbeing.
This will include carefully selecting and appointing those who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults and responding robustly where concerns arise.
All volunteers working with children, young people or vulnerable adults must agree to adhere to the Catholic Church’s national safeguarding policies before they can be appointed and will be supplied with a copy of this leaflet and a pocket-size guide for ready reference.
Please click the links below to find out more:
Hexham and Newcastle Diocese Safeguarding_Guidelines
Equality Act 2010 Guidance for Catholic Schools
Safeguarding and child protection policy 2023-24
County Lines Parent and Carer Leaflet
St Josephs Child Protection Statement