If you wish to make a report of child abuse or child-safety related misconduct, please click here.
Processes for raising concerns
Parishes, agencies and entities are responsible for ensuring that processes for raising concerns in relation to child abuse or child-safety related misconduct are well communicated, understood and accessible to all persons including children and young people.
The Professional Standards Unit of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne is responsible for coordinating all reports of current or historical child abuse or safety-related misconduct and liaising with statutory authorities e.g. Victoria Police, Child Protection (Department of Health and Human Services) and Reportable Conduct Scheme (Commission for Children and Young People).
Making a child abuse report involves notifying statutory authorities and the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne in a timely manner (as soon as practicable after forming a reasonable belief, unless the child or young person is in imminent danger).
Professional Standards Unit
Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm
Phone: 9926 5630
Email: psu@cam.org.au
Current or historical abuse perpetrated by:
- clergy, an employee or volunteer must be reported to the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) within Victoria Police
- a family member must be reported to Child Protection – Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
- a child or young person must be reported to Child Protection (DHHS) and/or the SOCIT (e.g. sexually harmful behaviour, aggression, violence, online exploitation).
The disclosure of abuse can be a very difficult and emotionally challenging process for a child, young person or adult and needs to be handled sensitively and respectfully.