SAFEGUARDING
Safeguarding is a duty that is rooted in the message of Jesus and in the mission of the Church. The Catholic Church in Scotland aspires to the highest standards with regard to the care and protection of children and vulnerable adults, and actively promotes justice for, and provides assistance to, those who have been abused. We are committed to respecting, protecting and nurturing the dignity of all people. We are determined that the Catholic Church in Scotland will offer a safe place in all Church premises and activities, and with all Church personnel. We are committed to improving the culture of our Safeguarding approach in order to rebuild trust and confidence in the ways in which we ensure that children and vulnerable adults are kept safe. Our Safeguarding approaches, led by each Bishop and Major Superior, and delivered by clergy, Religious, Safeguarding personnel and lay people in every parish community, Religious Institute and Catholic organisation, are designed to protect and heal, to safeguard and nurture all who have contact with Catholic faith communities across Scotland. They can be found in detail in the policy document (click the following text) ‘In God’s Image’ [pdf]
SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT TO PARISHES – October 2020
At this time of year, every parish in Galloway Diocese usually allocates one weekend for Parish Safeguarding Coordinators to deliver an update on developments in safeguarding within the Catholic Church, both locally and nationally. These updates are important to ensure that everyone in our parish communities is aware of how best to “uphold the highest safeguarding standards in our relationships with people of all ages who are involved in whatever capacity with the Church and its organisations”. Read more here:
Diocese of Galloway Safeguarding
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in Scotland to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased. Click the following button to learn more:
Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service
The Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service was established by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland to lead the Church’s strategy for developing effective Safeguarding arrangements. Its primary role is to support the Safeguarding work of Dioceses, Religious Institutes and Catholic organisations that interact with vulnerable groups.
Safeguarding Contacts within Ardrossan
You can contact the following in the strictest confidence:
St Peter in Chains ardrossan@gallowaydiocese.org.uk
Telephone: 01294 464063