Safeguarding and Redress
The values that guide us are Compassion, Humility, Justice and the example of our Founder St John of God.
“… any ill that befalls you makes me suffer too, just as any good thing makes me joyful.”
St John of God
Safeguarding
The Hospitaller Brothers of St John of God are committed to fostering a culture of safety and care for children and vulnerable adults. Read more…
We have adopted the Australian National Catholic Professional Standards for Safeguarding children and vulnerable people. The standards and further information on the work of Catholic Professional Standards Ltd can be found on their website at https://www.cpsltd.org.au/ or by calling 1300 603 411.
Our commitment extends to cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation of abuse, no matter where or when it may have occurred.
We strongly urge any person who has experienced abuse to contact their local police and report it so that it can be appropriately investigated.
If anyone wishes to bring a complaint of abuse against any Brother or member of staff of a school or other ministry operated by the Brothers, they may do so in either of the following ways:
1. If the complaint relates to abuse of a child or young person, contact the police or relevant authority in your state. For urgent matters where a child is at risk of harm, contact the Police emergency number – 000 (all states).
2. Contact the St John of God Brothers’ Professional Standards Office here.
Redress
The National Redress Scheme is an independent process that provides survivors of institutional child sexual abuse with access to a direct personal response from participating institutions. This includes an apology, as well as counselling and monetary payments.
The Hospitaller Brothers of St John of God are a participating institution in the Scheme. This means any person who has experienced abuse in any of our facilities and associated institutions can have their claim assessed through the Scheme.
Under the rules of the Scheme, applications must be made directly to the National Redress Scheme itself. The St John of God Brothers are unable to accept any application. Information about the National Redress Scheme, how to make an application, and how to access free support services can be found on their website www.nationalredress.gov.au, or by calling 1800 737 177.
Documents
National Committee for Professional Standards
a. Integrity in Ministry – June 2003 – PDF download
b. Integrity in the Service of the Church – September, 2011 – PDF download
c. Towards Healing – January 2010 – PDF download
Truth Justice Healing Council
a. Guidelines For Responding To Requests From Survivors Of Child Sexual Abuse Whose Claims Have Been Subject To Settlements – PDF download
b. Guidelines for Church Authorities in Responding to Civil Claims for Child Sexual Abuse – PDF download
Other
a. Catholic Church Response to Child Sexual Abuse: Overview 1987-2019 – PDF Download
Professional Standards Office
The Professional Standards Office of the Brothers of Saint John of God is located in Sydney and can be contacted by email here.
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