Marymead CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn’s recent safeguarding audit has demonstrated a high level of compliance and commitment to safeguarding all who participate in their services. Source: ACSL.
The audit was conducted by Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited and examined a range of services provided by Marymead CatholicCare to children, families and adults in vulnerable circumstances.
MCCG is the social services agency of the Canberra and Goulburn Archdiocese.
MCCG employs more than 600 people across 70 services, some of which are highly regulated and others that are community and volunteer-based.
ACSL chief executive officer Ursula Stephens said the audit demonstrated that there is a philosophy of safeguarding and service that underpins the work of MCCG.
“We are impressed by the extent to which the programs are trauma-informed and demonstrate best practice in child and family-centred care,” Dr Stephens said.
“MCCG conscientiously addresses all the requirements of federal, state and government regulation in relation to Child Safe organisations and quality standards, and its service model is ranked highly by government agencies”.
MCCG was assessed against the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, which apply not only to children but to adults at risk. This is in keeping with canon law requirements to protect and respect the rights of all vulnerable people.
MCCG chief executive Anne Kirwan welcomed the findings.
“Achieving safeguarding accreditation is a significant milestone for our organisation,” Ms Kirwan said.
“It reflects our unwavering commitment to creating safe and respectful environments where our clients can thrive, and recognises the dedication of our staff, volunteers, leadership team and board to embedding safeguarding into our culture, systems, and daily practice.
“The auditors made some recommendations for improvement, particularly in areas of emerging risk such as safe online environments, which will be acted on in 2026”.
The full safeguarding audit report for MCCG is available on ACSL’s website.
FULL STORY
Safeguarding is fundamental to the work of Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn (ACSL)
