This topic guide is to assist Parish Leaders to understand the minimum requirements for consideration of safety and care when establishing or reviewing children’s ministry. The guide will assist you to identify the key steps and documentation to complete and maintain. All Parish leaders are encouraged to consider their unique environment and program activities; undertake risk assessments and develop plans to minimise harm.
Added Thursday May 30 2019
A template to assist with ensuring that you have completed compliance and risk management and the program is ready for the year/semester/event. When the form and attachments are completed please submit to your Rector for Parish Council approval.
Added Wednesday April 19 2017
For children’s safety, please advise volunteers that two adults need to be present at all times, including if transporting children by car. If parishioners are to be driving other parishioners or their children around an approved driver application should be completed.
Added Thursday May 30 2019
The Anglican Diocese of Bendigo has adopted this Child Safe Policy as part of its commitment to child safety, in line with the child safe standards introduced by the Victorian government.
Added Wednesday March 22 2017
A template that works through the seven child safe standards to help parishes assess if they are compliant with the requirements.
Added Friday August 04 2017
This form is to be completed when a child or young person first joins a children’s or youth ministry program.
Added Wednesday April 19 2017
A template to record when children have arrived and been picked up from parish or church activities.
Added Wednesday April 19 2017
Established in 1991, Child Wise is one of Australia’s leading not-for-profit child abuse prevention organisations working to build awareness, deliver education, and provide the tools to empower individuals and communities around Australia so they can actively prevent child abuse and exploitation. They have a range of booklets and online resources available for download which may be useful to parishes.
Added Wednesday August 16 2017
Download and print the poster to display in your church: Statement of Commitment to Child Safety (POSTER)
Added Sunday June 19 2022
This policy helps ensure communication and the sharing and providing of information between church members is appropriate, timely and related to church matters only.
Added Wednesday March 22 2017
The Electronic Communication Guidelines provide church leaders with appropriate direction when using electronic communication, such as email, SMS and social networking, with children or young people.
Added Wednesday March 22 2017
This leaflet gives a summary of the expected code of conduct and appropriate behaviours of all clergy and lay church workers. It should be read in conjunction with the full version of Faithfulness in Service.
Added Tuesday March 21 2017
A checklist for ensuring safe physical spaces, safe leaders and safe materials.
Added Wednesday April 19 2017
This online form is to be completed whenever an incident or injury occurs.
Added Wednesday April 19 2017
This document outlines some frequently asked questions for each clearance: National Police History Check, Working with Children Check, Safe Church Training and Safe Ministry Check.
Added Thursday April 29 2021
This document provides an overview of the Lay Safe Ministry Clearances policy and what is required for each clearance level.
Added Thursday April 29 2021
Please view here, the most up to date Lay Safe Ministry Clearances Policy, approved in May 2024.
Added Sunday December 05 2021
We use CrimCheck’s online services for providing criminal history checks on volunteers, clergy and employees. Clergy and laity needing a police check can do so online at www.crimcheck.org.au/check/bendigoanglican
Added Thursday February 27 2020
This documents provides parishes with information about the new notifiable data breaches regime commencing on 22 February 2018 and the implications for parishes.
Added Wednesday February 21 2018
Complete this form when a data breach occurs, or is suspected to have occurred, and return to the Registrar.
Added Wednesday February 21 2018
The Privacy Policy encourages sensitivity and appropriate respect for individuals in the collection and use of information for Church purposes and provides formal guidelines for the diocese and parishes to ensure protection of people’s privacy in accordance with the Australian National Privacy Principles.
Added Wednesday March 22 2017
The information sheet provides an outline of the reportable conduct scheme applicable to religious organisations in Victoria and how parishes and dioceses need to respond.
Added Thursday January 25 2018
The Safe Church Policy aims to ensure that leaders and programs within our churches, parishes and congregations are safe and that all people are respected and valued.
Added Wednesday March 22 2017
A list of the resources available to parishes on the diocesan website to support the ongoing implementation and review of Safe Church practices. Our Diocese is committed to holistic approach to Safe Ministries. We commit to our pastoral, insurance, legal and duty of care obligations; with its goal that all ministries are spiritually, emotionally and physically safe; based on the premise that Diocesan parishes, ministries and related activities should be abuse-free and harm-free, person valuing and respectful spaces for ministry to God’s glory.
Added Thursday May 30 2019
The Commission for Children and Young People can help organisations to meet the Child Safe Standards and create a culture of child safety. To help, they have produced a suite of resources, including a guide and tip sheets.
Added Friday April 07 2017
Instructions on how to apply for a Working with Children Check.
Added Thursday April 29 2021
Monthly news magazine of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo. July 2024 issue now available... Learn more...
