SAFEGUARDING - Promoting Safe & Sacred Spaces

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In a special way the Gospel challenges every friar and those who work on behalf of or with the Augustinians to regard children and young people as a gift of God. It follows that the Augustinians are a willing signatory on behalf of all to Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016. This means that in practice we are wholly committed to implement best child safeguarding and protection practices.

At Province level, a Safeguarding Development Group comprising lay people and friars oversee this good work and ensure accountability year on year, as detailed in the OSA Child Safeguarding Development Plan ’20 – ’23.

Our hope is twofold: that much good work will continue to be done and that we will do no harm. Parents, volunteers and friars can be reassured that all that can be done is being done, and possibly more. Within each church setting Local Safeguarding Group members play a significant part in this team effort. For example, ensuring that suitably trained people are working alongside children and young people as faith-friends and mentors. Much of this work is undertaken behind the scenes. However, our Safeguarding message is always communicated openly and clearly: To promote safe and sacred spaces that enable our ministries and communities of faith to thrive in God’s presence.

Though an internal review takes place annually, our child safeguarding and protection procedures and practices will be independently assessed every 3/4 years by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI – see www.safeguarding.ie ) Thereafter a report will be published on this website, as is the case with previous reports. Any shortcomings and learning identified will inform appropriate changes in current practice and future plans.