In keeping with Pope Leo’s call for vigilance and zero tolerance of abuse, the Augustinians of the Province of Australasia have completed their safeguarding audit which found solid safeguarding practices are in place. Source: ACSL.
The Order underwent its first safeguarding audit in 2020 and was assessed for its implementation of child-focused safeguarding policies, procedures and practises. This is its second audit, and this audit included a focus on safeguarding process for adults at risk.
The audit, conducted by Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd (ACSL) found that the Order has worked hard to embed the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS) for children and adults at risk.
While the Order has 53 friars in the Province, of these 20 are linked to the delegation in Korea and 5 members are retired.
The auditors included visits to parishes in New South Wales and Victoria in the care of the Augustinians. The auditors also visited a school in the Augustinian tradition.
“Our review of the Augustinians’ safeguarding policies and procedures coupled with interviews with personnel identified that they are proactive in managing risks that might emerge in their environment,” ACSL CEO Ursula Stephens said.
“The Order has appropriate complaint management processes and systems in place and is also investing in its members by ensuring the friars in ministry are participating in appropriate supervision that includes a focus on safeguarding,” Dr Stephens said.
“Pope Leo has urged religious orders to perfect safeguarding systems and to address the vulnerabilities among adults in consecrated life. This was demonstrated in the work the Augustinians have done since their first audit.
“We have made four medium recommendations which will support the Order to further develop and embed safeguarding processes.”
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