Professional Standards Division and Safeguarding Department
Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle, Melbourne
Mission Statement
To safeguard and promote the safety, wellbeing, dignity, and rights of children, young people, and vulnerable adults within the Syro-Malabar Church community by ensuring all ministries operate in safe, ethical, accountable, and legally compliant environments.
Vision
To build a safe Church that protects children, young people, and vulnerable adults by preventing harm and fostering a culture of safeguarding.
We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all children, young people, and vulnerable individuals. The safety and wellbeing of those in our care is our highest priority and a shared responsibility across our community. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and for any violation of the human rights of adults in our care. All concerns are taken seriously and responded to promptly and appropriately.
We follow the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and uphold the principles of the Charter of Children’s Rights, ensuring that the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of every individual is respected and protected. We promote safeguarding through ongoing awareness, training, and clear processes for reporting and responding to concerns. We encourage anyone with a concern to come forward, confident that they will be heard and supported.
Together, we are committed to fostering a safe and caring environment for everyone involved in the Syro-Malabar Church.