The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has an absolute and abiding commitment to promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children. As a volunteer working in a Diocesan school, you should be aware of your obligations and responsibilities in protecting students from abuse or neglect.

Becoming a volunteer

To be able to volunteer within a Diocesan school you are required to read the Volunteer Induction Handbook and complete all necessary checks, inductions and safeguarding training relevant to your volunteer role. This may mean that you will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check and/or National Police Check. All paperwork and checks are to be completed and verified before you can commence in your role. Safeguarding training must occur within 6 months of your commencement as a volunteer.

The Children and Young Person’s (Care and Protection) Act 1998

As a volunteer in the state of NSW you can report certain information to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). You should discuss your concerns with a teacher, Assistant Principal or Principal. You can report your concerns to the DCJ Child Protection Helpline (P: 132 111, 24 hrs/7 days) if you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child or young person is at risk of significant harm and your concerns are current. Risk of significant harm may occur from a single act or omission or to a series of acts or omissions. It is better to be safe than sorry, so if you are uncertain, talk to a staff member at the school. 

Exemptions apply for volunteers who are a close relative of a student enrolled at the school - see ‘Statutory Screening Selection Tool’ on page 26 of the Volunteer Induction Handbook. The link can be found by searching for ‘Volunteer Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’ and following the links.