Congregational Policy For The Safeguarding Of Children And Vulnerable Adults

As Sisters of the Holy Faith, we recognize our sacred obligation to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are welcomed, cherished, and protected in a manner consistent with their human dignity as children of God, and that the cultural identity of each one is respected. We are committed to maintaining all environments within our scope of influence as places of safety for them. We will work closely with parents/guardians and families and cooperate with Church and State guidelines to prevent any form of abuse. To this end the Sisters in each region/area of the congregation will follow and be subject to the local Church and State guidelines, as follows:

Ireland: Child Safeguarding Statement of the Holy Faith Sisters – Irish Region here This statement has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015 and is derived from Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016 here National Guidance for the Protection And Welfare of Children – Children First 2017. here

Trinidad & Tobago: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – National Child Policy – Our Children Our Treasure here Children’s Authority of Trinidad & Tobago|Tel: 868 627 0748 Email:  info@ttchildren.org Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs) 13-15 St. Clair Avenue, Port of Spain | Tel:  868 622 1625 Ministry of Health (Adults) | 63 Park Street, Port of Spain Tel: 868 627 0010

United States: California: Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002 here Working Together to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse April 2020 – 2021. Policies Programs Reporting Resources: See: Administrative Handbook Archdiocese of Los Angeles Chapter 9 – Safe Environment Child Welfare Policy and Program Development Bureau
744 P Street, MS 8-11-87 Sacramento, CA 95814. (916) 651-6160 Main Line

Louisiana: Louisiana Mandated Reporting: Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services toll-free number for anyone in the state to call and report child abuse or neglect. 855-4LA-KIDS (855-452-5437) One number, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak to a trained child welfare worker to report possible abuse and neglect. Safe Environment Coordinator Sr. Mary Ellen Wheelahan, O. Carm. Archdiocese of New Orleans, 7887 Walmsley Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125 | Tel: (504)861-6278 Email: srmwheelahan@arch-no.org

New Zealand: A Path To Healing – Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand here

Australia: Towards Healing Principles and procedures in responding to complaints of abuse against personnel of the Catholic Church in Australia January 2010 here