This specialised training is designed for Ministers of Religion, including clergy, religious leaders and ordained personnel, who hold legal, moral and pastoral responsibilities in protecting children and vulnerable persons.
The session provides clear, practical guidance on the intersection between faith-based ministry and safeguarding law – including mandatory reporting, the Reportable Conduct Scheme and key criminal offences under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic).
Using real-world case studies, legislative interpretation and pastoral reflection, participants will learn how to recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns while maintaining their commitment to both lawful conduct and faith-based care.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this training, participants will understand:
- Legal obligations under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic) and Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic)
- The role and responsibilities of mandatory reporters, including how to form a reasonable belief
- The operation and requirements of the Reportable Conduct Scheme, and how it applies to ministers of religion
- Key criminal offences: Failure to Disclose, Failure to Protect and Grooming
- The intersection of religious confession and mandatory reporting requirements
- Best practice for responding to disclosures of abuse or neglect
- The boundaries of pastoral care, record-keeping and escalation
- How to engage support structures within and beyond religious institutions when concerns arise
Who Should Attend
This course is suitable for individuals across faith traditions who hold pastoral or leadership responsibilities, including:
- Catholic priests, deacons and seminarians
- Religious brothers and sisters in ministry
- Lay ecclesial ministers, pastoral associates and chaplains
- Clergy and religious leaders from any denomination who work with children or vulnerable people
- Anyone exercising religious or pastoral ministry in an institutional setting
Why Choose This Training
- Developed by experienced safeguarding and compliance specialists with deep understanding of faith-based contexts
- Contextualised to the unique spiritual, pastoral and legal obligations of religious ministry
- Clarifies reporting duties, confidentiality limits and institutional accountability
- Balances faith principles and legal responsibilities to promote both moral and legal integrity
- Supports a culture of transparent leadership and survivor-centred practice
