10 July 2015
Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth
Edition #39
Safeguarding Project launched in Perth By James Parker “CHILD sexual abuse is a terrible problem, and it simply has to be dealt with. We cannot sit back and do nothing,” said Archbishop Costelloe at the official launch in St Mary’s Cathedral last weekend of the Archdiocese of Perth’s Safeguarding Project. “Children need to be protected today,” the Archbishop exclaimed, in what is being seen as the most robust strategic action being taken by any Australian bishop to right the wrongs of the past and to ensure the protection of children and the vulnerable in the future. Following the Archbishop’s homily, Archdiocesan Safegu arding Proj e c t Coordinator Andrea Musulin was invited to speak from the Cathedral sanctuary. “When you are talking about protecting children, 100 percent is not enough. It always has to be more. That’s what the Archdiocese of Perth is trying to achieve,” Musulin stated. Speaking at the conclusion of the launch, Musulin gave further clarity to the way in which the project will be delivered. “I will be the overarching safeguarding officer, with two local officers appointed to every parish. The people chosen will be required to attend training and then we will look at ways in which, together, we can develop local projects that parents and children can attend. 1 | EDITION #39 | 10 JULY 2015
Archdiocese of Perth Safeguarding Project Officer Andrea Musulin speaks at the launch of the Safeguarding Project on Sunday 5 July, at St Mary’s Cathedral. PHOTO: RON TAN PHOTOGRAPHY
“It is about making sure officers are au fait with the policies and procedures that I have written for the Safeguarding Project and that guiding principles are put into place and are being followed in parishes.”
police officers, child protection workers, and those with a high level of expertise in protecting children, all applying.” Musulin also wishes to see people without prior experience coming forward. “A high level of expertise
“I am looking for people who are 100 per cent committed and 100 per cent dedicated to protecting children.” Speaking about the response from the four pilot projects in rural and metropolitan parishes, Musulin said that “the response has been overwhelming positive”. “The level of expertise of people wanting to fulfill these roles has been extremely high, with school principals, retired principals,
without the passion and dedication to do the work is not enough. “So, I am looking for people who are 100 per cent committed and 100 per cent dedicated to protecting children.” Mandatory training will be provided for officers. Throughout the year, a plethora of additional training to further develop
and strengthen their capacities will be on offer. The role of parental engagement was then highlighted, with Musulin emphasising that “having parental support of any program like this is vital”. “Children look to their parents for guidance and for reassurance. We all teach children about stranger danger and we all beat to the same drum. We have the same message and sit on the same page. “When we talk about child sexual abuse prevention, we are not all beating the same drum, simply because these issues (about childhood sexual abuse prevention) were not addressed when we were children. (Con’t Page 2) Full Text available at
www.therecord.com.au