Implementing Safe Ministry policy

The steps every parish must take to implement Safe Ministry policy are:

1. Adopt the policy (see Safe Ministry Booklet)

2. Appoint a Safe Ministry Representative (see Safe Ministry Booklet)

3. Screen workers in child related positions (see Guidelines, Policies etc. for screening procedures or following here).

Background Checking (Screening) Procedures
For all people who work with children, a Prohibited Employment Declaration form should be obtain from the person.

For paid persons who work with children a Working With Children background check must be obtained from the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP).

The employee should complete a consent form and a 100 point identity check. The employer should then send a request for background check to the CCYP.

If the employer has not already done so, they will also have to register with the CCYP by sending an Employer Registration form to CCYP. 

In addition, a full employment and volunteer history should be obtained from the person and background reference checks should be made of all former employers, parishes and organisations with whom the person has been involved.

Who does the background checking (Screening)?
In the Diocese of Sydney:
For ordained clergy and candidates for ordination, background checking is carried out by Registry at the Diocesan Office.
For lay (not ordained) people, whether paid or unpaid, background checking is carried out by the employer i.e. the parish or organisation.

N.B. Unpaid volunteers cannot be screened through the CCYP.

4. Ensure relevant training is regularly undertaken by full time and volunteer workers
See Training page for details of who and where the training is offered.
See Safe Ministry Booklet for what training is required, how often it is required and what records need to be kept.