If you believe the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult is being compromised or is at risk of being compromised, it is important you report your concerns. If you are a diocesan worker, you have legal and policy-based obligations to report.
Ask yourself three questions to decide if you are dealing with an emergency situation:
If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions you are dealing with an emergency situation. Stay calm and ring 000
For detailed information on ringing 000 emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance):
www.triplezero.gov.au
If you suspect you have witnessed a crime, or have been made aware of a crime, that doesn’t warrant a 000 emergency call, you should still contact the local Police station. You can locate the local Police station online:
www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/regions_commands_districts/police_station_search
You may also contact the Police Assistance Line:
P: 131 444 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
If you suspect on reasonable grounds that a child is at risk of significant harm, contact the FACS helpline:
P: 132 111 (24 hours a day, 7 days per week)
If you want more information about what constitutes child abuse, and your responsibilities to report it:
If you want more information about what constitutes child abuse, and the indicators of abuse:
If an elderly person is being abused, you can help them contact the NSW Elder Abuse Helpline & Resource Unit:
www.elderabusehelpline.com.au
P: 1800 628 221 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm)
If an adult with a developmental delay or intellectual disability is being abused, you can assist them, or on their behalf you can contact the National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline:
www.jobaccess.gov.au/complaints/hotline
P: 1800 880 052 (Mon-Fri 9am-7pm)
E: hotline@workfocus.com
If you want more information about what constitutes abuse of vulnerable adults, and the options available to obtain support and make reports, refer to:
If you want more information about the indicators of abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult, refer to:
If you believe a diocesan worker has been abusive to a child or vulnerable adult, you must report them to the Office of Safeguarding:
P: 02 4979 1390 available during office hours Monday to Friday
Online:
E: childprotection@mn.catholic.org.au
For more information on what constitutes unacceptable conduct by diocesan workers, refer to:
The Office of Safeguarding is the organisational expression of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s absolute and abiding commitment to promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children and vulnerable adults. The Office of Safeguarding is an integral part of the Diocese, and separately oversees other services, agencies and programs. The Office of Safeguarding works with external statutory and Catholic authorities to fulfil its role.
Head Office:
50 Crebert St, Mayfield NSW 2304
P: 02 4979 1390
E: childprotection@mn.catholic.
Healing & Support (Zimmerman Service):
5 Selma Street, Newcastle West NSW 2302
E: healing.support@mn.
www.officeofsafeguarding.org.au
