|
Diocesan Child Protection and Professional Conduct Unit
About Us
The Diocesan Child Protection and Professional Conduct Unit (now known as Zimmerman House) works to ensure that matters of Child Protection and Professional Conduct are managed within the appropriate legislative requirements (link), are consistent with Christian tradition and the basic belief that the human is made in the image of God and deserves reverence and respect.
We strive to create a safe environment for children, young people and the vulnerable in the care of staff and volunteers in all Diocesan agencies, including Parishes, Schools, Catholic Care, Religious orders, and diocesan groups such as Catholic Mission, Caritas, the World Youth Day Team, the Catholic Development Fund, the Tribunal, and the Council of Priests.
We also work externally with agencies such as the Department of Community Services (DoCS), the NSW Ombudsman, the Police and the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP).
Our History
With a growing awareness about the devastating reality of the abuse of children, young people and the vulnerable in our society, the traditional responses of secrecy and silence are now being confronted. With our growing understanding about the nature of abuse and inspired by the courage of individuals who have spoken out, we can now begin to develop and implement effective prevention strategies.
The Diocesan Child Protection and Professional Conduct Unit was established in 2005 following a comprehensive review of child protection systems across all diocesan services. This review recommended a centralised discrete unit for the management of all child protection and professional conduct matters.
In 2007 the unit moved to its current location in the Newcastle suburb of Carrington and is now known as Zimmerman House, in honour of its patron, diocesan Chancellor Sr Beverly Zimmerman rsj.
Sr Beverly is well known throughout the diocese for her work and studies in Catholic Education, Church history, ecclesiology, ethics and morality. Aurora interviewed Sr Beverley in December 2007 - read her thoughts on the work of Zimmerman House and her role as patron.
Our Aims
- To investigate and respond to disclosures of abuse or inappropriate professional conduct
- To provide child protection training and screening for all employees and volunteers of the diocese
- To provide opportunities for healing for survivors of abuse
- To develop strategies for early intervention, based on current research
1. To investigate and respond to disclosures of abuse or inappropriate professional conduct Allegations of all forms of child abuse, sexual abuse of children and young people and any abuse of authority are treated seriously and will be investigated by the diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, through Zimmerman House. Depending on the nature of the allegation, the diocese may be required by law to notify the police, DoCS or the NSW Ombudsman.
There may be 2 or 3 separate investigations in relation to any one allegation. In all cases, the diocese reserves the right to conduct its own investigation into the events surrounding an allegation against church personnel.
For more information contact Zimmerman House or visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
2. To provide child protection training and screening for all employees and volunteers of the diocese
Zimmerman House provides a range of child protection training to ensure that diocesan employees and volunteers who are working in child-related positions and positions of authority within the church have access to appropriate training.
The screening of employees, volunteers and clergy is a small but very important part of our strategy to protect children, young people and the vulnerable.
For more information about our training and screening processes, contact Zimmerman House or visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
3. To provide opportunities for healing for survivors of abuse
We are painfully aware that abuse, of any kind, is not something survivors recover from quickly. We acknowledge and deeply regret that some may never completely recover from the psychological aspects of abuse by church personnel.
At Zimmerman House we are committed to walking with survivors throughout their healing journey. We believe that healing can be achieved through a variety of therapies and strategies.
We see survivors of abuse by church personnel as the key stakeholders in the healing process and therefore we rely heavily on their advice and direction for the development of our healing services.
For further information, contact Zimmerman House or visit our Healing and Support Services and Frequently Asked Questions.
4. To develop strategies for early intervention, based on current research
At Zimmerman House we are committed to applying the latest innovations in research and practice to all aspects of our work, particularly in the areas of early intervention and abuse prevention.
Visit our webpage from time to time to read about the current research that is influencing our work.
Our Privacy Commitment
Using the Privacy Act of 1988 as our guide, Zimmerman House staff will treat all disclosures with the strictest of confidence, ensuring the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness are adhered to.
These principles include the right to respond to the allegation, the right to be accompanied by a nominated support person at all interviews and meetings and the right to supportive counselling. It is a statutory requirement for Zimmerman House to report known or suspected cases of child abuse to the authorities prescribed in the relevant legislation – the Department of Community Services and or the NSW Ombudsman.
Any potential criminal activity must be reported to the Police.
Useful Links
Contact Us Contact the Diocesan Child Protection & Professional Conduct Unit
Manager: Helen Keevers
Zimmerman House
PO Box 29
58 Gipps St
Carrington NSW
2294
|
|
|
