An independent assessment of Catholic safeguarding protocols and procedures in New Zealand has identified significant progress in many areas, while also highlighting where more work is needed. Source: NZCBC.
Te Rōpū Tautoko, the group which coordinated the Church’s engagement with the NZ Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, last year contracted an independent firm to assess the implementation and suitability of safeguarding culture standards.
The project included a review of safeguarding policies and procedures, as well as dozens of face-to-face and online interviews. A team of consultants met with survivors and survivor advocates, Church leaders, safeguarding officers, academics and parishioners to understand the current practice.
It looked specifically at compliance, effectiveness, appropriateness and improvement.
The report, carried out by UK firm GCPS Consulting, was delivered to Church leaders late last month. A summary report has now been published.
Bishop Steve Lowe, president of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, said the report shines a light on places where improvements can tighten the Church’s existing practice.
“It was encouraging to read how a range of approaches are working well, but there are areas where we can take existing efforts further to strengthen them,” Bishop Lowe said.
Congregational Leaders Conference of Aotearoa New Zealand president Fr Thomas Rouse SSC said the need for increased dialogue with survivors and their representatives was a recommendation that resonated with him.
“The road towards a sense of truth, of justice, of healing is one we must walk with those who have been abused in our settings,” he said.
Bishop Lowe and Fr Rouse said their respective organisations will discuss the report in the coming weeks and develop a plan for responding to its recommendations.
The summary report can be found at: https://tautoko.catholic.org.nz/
FULL STORY
Assessment of Catholic safeguarding offers blueprint for improvement (NZCBC)
