This week, the Archdiocese of Sydney is celebrating National Child Protection Week by introducing new resources for children and young people.
Available through specially-designed digital Children and Young People Resource Buttons on the Archdiocesan Safeguarding and Child Protection website, there are also resources available that children and young people can access for a range of new age-appropriate resources.
The Archdiocese of Sydney’s Safeguarding and Ministerial Integrity Office launched the new resources for children and young people on 6 September, the first day of 2020’s National Child Protection Week.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP said National Child Protection Week is a “timely reminder to all of us of the need for vigilance for the care and protection of children”.
“Jesus calls our Children to ‘come, follow him’ and become his disciples.”
“Jesus calls our children to ‘come, follow him’ and become his disciples sending them out to be young missionaries to our world,” he said.
“The ‘Child and Young People Resource Button’ has material that has been created by children and young people, for children and young people and I’d encourage children, parents, and carers to jump online and access it.
“We must never be complacent when it comes to ensuring a child-safe Church and community, it is our legal, moral and spiritual responsibility to create a safe and nurturing environment for children.”
Director of the Safeguarding and Ministerial Integrity Office Karen Larkman said that the office was pleased to take the opportunity of the 30th National Child Protection Week to raise awareness within parishes and communities on the importance of caring for and listening to children.
“To reach their full potential, children need access to shelter and care, they need to feel listened to and feel safe and loved,” she said.
“Child Protection Week provides a platform for us to highlight the great work that is taking place in our parishes and communities in putting children front and centre every week of the year.
“To reach their full potential, children need access to shelter and care, they need to feel listened to and feel safe and loved.”
“I hope you enjoy the new resources available on the Safeguarding website developed by children and young people of the Archdiocese for children and young people of the archdiocese. A big thank you to all of those children and parents who helped us develop these resources.”
The resources which are available by clicking the Children and Young People Resources Buttons, include information handbooks, posters on online safety, seeking help, behaviour codes and the rights and responsibilities of children.
It is the fifth year the Archdiocese of Sydney has participated in National Child Protection Week, organised by the National Association for Prevention of Child abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) founded in 1987.