SCU - the Safe Church Unit
To assist and encourage the Presbyterian Church of Victoria in its commitment to ensuring that all of its congregations and organisations are safe for everyone within them.
The Safe Church Unit, on behalf of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria (PCV), has established safety and compliance policies and procedures to which all individuals, congregations and organisations associated with the church must adhere.
These policies express Christ's love and our respect for everyone we encounter in our ministries. Jesus' words teach His church that loving people, especially children, in His name means safe-guarding and protecting them from harm - in our families, our communities and the church. For us to take His words seriously, we must do everything we can to protect children from abuse. Primarily, this involves screening and training for all applicants who wish to work with children in the church. In doing so, we comply with Victorian legislation on reporting, worker screening, leadership training and promoting child safety.
Reporting
Religious ministries are required to report child abuse, criminal behaviour and other such conduct defined by the Reportable Conduct Scheme to the appropriate authorities.
Screening
It is legally mandatory to screen anyone who works with or makes decisions about children. Leaders and volunteers must have a current Working With Children Check and be registered with the Safe Church Unit.
Training
Safe Church Training educates, supports and equips employees and volunteers of the church for safe ministry practice and godly governance.
Privacy
In the course of ministry and practice the church collects personally identifiable and sensitive information about individuals. This information must be handled securely, privately and only according to its primary purpose of collection.
Compliance
All organisations in Victoria that work with children must comply with the Victorian Child Safe Standards. Safe Church Compliant congregations and organisations commit to safeguarding children and adults in word and deed.
Risk Management
Risk assessment and management focuses on identifying, mitigating and preventing risks to the safety of children in the Presbyterian Church of Victoria.
We can help you implement Safe Church policy, comply with Working With Children Check (WWCC) and Child Safe Standards requirements, report conduct defined by the Reportable Conduct Scheme to the appropriate authorities, and manage risks when working with children under 18 within the church.
We also provide assistance for individuals, congregations and organisations within the church in relation to these matters, including the provision of resources and a confidential, effective help line with referral to a counselling service if appropriate. We welcome historical complaints and understand our moral responsibility in such cases, seeking to work with complainants towards resolution and healing. We cooperate inter-denominationally on abuse reporting and resolution and are a participating institution in the National Redress Scheme (NRS).
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.Micah 6:8