Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is described as:-

The process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully… Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

The definition of Safeguarding adults at risk is described as:-

Action to prevent abuse or to protect persons thought to be at risk of abuse or neglect or poor standards of care by any other person or persons that violates their human and civil rights.

The Catholic Church acknowledges the value of every human life and promotes the duty to support all people and protect them from harm. Safeguarding is an essential element of the Catholic Church that fulfils the mission and calling given by Christ to value every human life.

Following the publication of The Nolan report in 2001, the Catholic Safeguarding Service Agency (CSSA) has implemented robust Safeguarding Policies and Procedures, regarding the protection of children and adults at risk and also places paramount importance upon the welfare of the alleged victim. www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk

The Catholic Church provides a wide range of ministries and activities which children and adults at risk participate in. For example, Children’s Liturgy groups within parishes, Eucharistic Ministers, SVP and Parish Volunteers visiting the sick and offering support. The Church also provides care for the victims and survivors of historical abuse allegations.

In addition the Church ministers to and manages individuals alleged to have caused harm.

The Order recognises its responsibility in the safeguarding of the personal dignity and rights of all vulnerable people and is committed to take all appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment for them. It will also liaise with statutory agencies to ensure that any allegations of abuse are promptly and properly investigated and where appropriate, survivors are supported and perpetrators held to account.