29 january 2024
The Safe Church Refresher Training Course is available to watch here. For those people who are not online OR prefer to read the Refresher Training material, it is also available here in an alternative written format (which can be printed and provided to those people who wish to read instead of view).
The 2024 Safe Church Training Calendar is available here - all dates are also posted at the Training page.
1 july 2023
Mr Ashley Manly, the Safe Church Compliance and Administration Officer, now works an additional day each week. Ashley works Monday, Thursday and Friday, 9am - 5pm. Ashley’s contact details remain the same.
30 January 2023
The Safe Church Training Dates for 2023 have been posted at the Training page. Go here for the Basic Training dates and here for the Advanced Training dates.
Additional resources for safe ministry have been added here, including resources to assist PCV churches in compliance with the new Victorian Child Safe Standards. Contact the Safe Church Facilitator with any queries regarding these or for assistance with enquiries related to implementing the Standards in PCV churches.
4 july 2022
The Safe Church Unit welcomes Ashley Manly as the new Safe Church Compliance and Administration Officer. Ashley works Mondays and Fridays 9am-5pm. Contact Ashley with any enquiries about:
Working With Children Checks and Compliance Audit Schedule enquiries and compliance
compliance accreditation for PCV churches, organisations and individuals, including issuing of certificates
training compliance enquiries and support
administering Volunteer Approval Process applications
handling Safe Church material requests, including requests for manuals and brochures
1 july 2022
The new Victorian Child Safe Standards come into effect today. Following a deliverance of the General Assembly of Victoria, and via the implementation of the PCV Safe Church programme, the Presbyterian Church of Victoria will comply with the Standards.
By ensuring Safe Church compliance is maintained, reporting child safety concerns, issues or complaints, and implementing safe ministry practices, Sessions, Presbyteries and PCV organisations will implement the new Standards across the PCV, within the setting, context and particular characteristics of the Church.
New and updated information and resources have been added to the existing materials available for use in PCV churches at this website, along with a new, dedicated, page for families seeking information and resources about child safety. These new and updated information and resources are aimed to support and enable the Church implement the new Standards. Contact the Safe Church Facilitator for further information, assistance with child safety practices or with any related questions or enquiries.
23 June 2022
The Basic and Advanced Training Calendar has been updated with the changed dates for training in Hamilton and Bendigo. The new Basic Training dates are here and the new Advanced Training dates are here.
18 february 2022
An additional training day has been added to the 2022 Safe Church Training dates, to be held at Scots’ Church, Melbourne. Any additional training dates are added to the information at the Training page. Check the Training page regularly for the most up to date training information. New dates are also promoted to the PCV via the Safe Church Representatives in each church.
25 january 2022
The 2022 Safe Church Training Calendar is now available at the Training page.
december 2021
Thank you to all the churches who hosted Safe Church Training events in 2021. Despite the difficulties of COVID-19 restrictions all the planned events for 2021, except for one, were able to be held in 2021.
For any person who needed to complete Safe Church Training in 2021, there is an extension of time until 30 December 2022 to do so, due to the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2021.
The updated Basic Training calendar is here
The updated Advanced Training calendar here
july 2021
Due to COVID-19 lockdowns in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne, some Safe Church Training dates will be rescheduled. Registered participants will be notified of the new date of the training.
Every person who needed to complete Safe Church Training in 2021 has been given an extension of time until 30 December 2022 to do so, due to the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2021.
9 november 2020
The Compliance & Administration Officer, has a new email address: scu.compliance@pcv.org.au
The previous email address will redirect to this new address however it is requested to use the new email address from this date. Thank you!
29 october 2020
Covid-19 advice for the PCV is now available at the COVID-19 page on this website.
24 april 2020
The information about the Presbyterian Church of Victoria joining the National Redress Scheme can be found here
27 march 2020
COVID-19 information and advice relating to Privacy and Safe Church PCV has been provided via email to all Sessions, Ministers and Safe Church Representatives. Please contact SCU with any questions about this or if you would like to receive this information.
24 march 2020
The PCV COVID-19 information and advice can be found here and a special message from the Moderator of the PCV can be found here.
20 march 2020
COVID-19 and response of the local church - David Wraight, the Director of Ministry and Mission at the CCCVAT has generously made available a helpful resource for use within the Christian community. It is found here
18 March 2020
The Safe Church Unit has provided advice on safe online ministry to children under 18, to the PCV, via email to all Sessions, Ministers and Safe Church Representatives. Please contact SCU with any questions about this or if you would like to receive this information.
16 march 2020
The Acting Clerk of the PCV has released information to assist the PCV regarding COVID-19. It is found here
12 February 2020
The 2020 Advanced Training Calendar has now been uploaded - email your registration to attend via text 0499 090 449 or email to safechurch@pcv.org.au
The updated Basic Training and Refresher Training videos and materials are also now available- for details visit the Training page.
14 october 2019
The most recent meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, in September 2019, included a formal apology to victims of child sexual abuse in the Church:
“With deep sorrow the Presbyterian Church of Australia apologises to all who have been affected by sexual abuse through their involvement in the Presbyterian Church of Australia.
Sexual abuse of a child is appalling and wickedly violates Christ’s words, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
It is a breach of trust to those who have taken part in church activities, to their families, and to the wider community.
We regret the hurt caused when our response as a church has denied or minimised the pain that victims have experienced or caused them to experience further pain.
The Presbyterian Church has taken steps to respond to child sexual abuse.
- Each State Church is participating in the National Redress Scheme, and we encourage all victims of child sexual abuse to make use of this scheme.
- The Church commits itself to making a timely and compassionate response to all allegations of child sexual abuse.
- The Church has adopted the National Safe Ministry Framework which seeks to be consistent with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
- The Church commits itself to full co-operation with the civil authorities in dealing with accusations of child sexual abuse.
- The Church commits itself to processes of education and training in relation to response to child sexual abuse.”
Presbyterian Church of Victoria to join the National Redress Scheme
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria in October 2019 has approved the Church joining the National Redress Scheme (NRS). The process of on-boarding the Church to the NRS has since commenced.
10 SEPTEMBER 2019
The Victorian Parliament, on September 10th, passed amendments to the Children, Youth and Families Act, which mean that people in religious ministries are added to the list of mandated reporters to Child Protection Services.
The legislation states that a:
"person in religious ministry means a person appointed, ordained or otherwise recognised as a religious or spiritual leader in a religious institution;"
The law makes it mandatory for ministers and other appointed religious leaders to report child abuse, including when it is revealed to them during a confession. Under the law, ministers and religious leaders face up to three years' jail if they don't report child physical and sexual abuse allegations. This law was supported by both the Government and the Opposition.
Mandatory reporting refers to the legal requirement for nominated groups to report a reasonable belief of physical or sexual child abuse to authorities.
There is no significant change for the PCV brought about by this legislation as under ‘Failure to Disclose’ and the existing Safe Church PCV reporting protocols, PCV personnel have essentially operated as mandatory reporters regardless.
In addition to this information being provided to the General Assembly, in October 2019, the Safe Church Unit has communicated this change to the PCV.
Any questions about this may be directed to the Safe Church Unit. The Victorian Government have issued a media release regarding this.
3 september 2019
VIT REGISTERED TEACHERS AND THE WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK
In September 2019 the Victorian Government and the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) introduced a new requirement whereby people holding VIT Registration must also link their VIT Registration number to organisations outside of their employment, where they work with children - e.g. teachers who are also Youth Group leaders at their church.
VIT Registration holders are henceforth required to link the PCV to their VIT Registration - see the information at the links below for further detail and in order to action this:
Victorian Institute of Teaching information
Victorian Government information
4 february 2019
safe church training updates
new basic training has launched
The In-House Congregational Safe Church Basic Training has been updated and the 1.5 hour video now available at the Safe Church PCV YouTube Channel. The system for SCRs registering and hosting Basic Training remains the same and the booklet has been updated.
2019 refresher training has launched
The 2019 version of the Online Refresher Course is also now available.
new safe church resources - child safe standards
The Victorian Child Safe Standards require organisations to develop and implement strategies to promote the participation and empowerment of children. As a result there are 8 new posters for use and display in children’s ministry areas within the PCV. The posters are on the Resources page - to find them scroll down to the Posters - Children and Youth Ministries section.
These posters are child and youth friendly and have safe content for children. For an example go here
5 may 2018
advanced training has launched
Safe Church Advanced Training has now launched - new dates are posted as they are arranged.
Information about the training is found here
Please contact SCU if you have any questions.
1 january 2018
the victorian reportable conduct scheme
Commences 1 January 2018 for all religious organisations in Victoria
The Victorian Reportable Conduct Scheme legislation states at 16B (1) 1 (a) that “the protection of children is the paramount consideration in the context of abuse or employee [“employee” is defined as both paid and volunteer workers in the organisation] misconduct involving a child”.
The PCV must comply with the Victorian Reportable Conduct Scheme (RCS). This means that any historical and current child abuse allegations relating to employees and volunteers who work for the Church must be reported by the Head of Entity (this is the Clerk of the General Assembly for the purposes of the RCS) to the Commission for Children and Young People.
The Church must also provide evidence to the Commission for Children and Young People of a legislative-compliant investigation and appropriate response to the allegation(s).
There are five types of ‘reportable conduct’:
sexual offences committed against, with or in the presence of a child
sexual misconduct committed against, with or in the presence of a child
physical violence against, with or in the presence of a child
any behaviour that causes significant emotional or psychological harm to a child
significant neglect of a child.
For more details, please see the Commission for Children and Young People information sheet What is Reportable Conduct? or visit www.ccyp.vic.gov.au
The RCS is further evidence of the seriousness with which the State and community of Victoria treat the safety of children from abuse. The RCS forms part of a concerted effort to build a culture of child safety in Victoria across all organisations that have children in them. The main emphasis of the RCS is to ensure that all organisations are clear about their reporting duties, risk assessment and risk management.
Please contact the Safe Church Unit with any RCS concerns or allegations.
Alternatively anyone may report directly to the Commission for Children and Young People - phone: (03) 8601 5281
24 november 2017
The safe church unit has moved
The Safe Church Unit is now located at
Heathmont House
268 Canterbury Road
Heathmont Victoria 3135
Please send all mail to this new address.
16 october 2017
new safe church unit supervisor appointed
At the 2017 General Assembly Reverend John Wilson completed his tenure as Supervisor of the Safe Church Unit. It with great appreciation that the Safe Church Unit acknowledges Reverend Wilson's work in this role and his wisdom and assistance during his tenure.
Reverend Brian Harvey has been appointed Supervisor of the Safe Church Unit, building upon his existing role as Safe Church Panel of Reference Convenor, and, his knowledge and experience in this aspect of the life of the Church. The Safe Church Unit is most grateful for Reverend Harvey's willingness to serve the Church in this role.
1 august 2017
changes to the victorian working with children check legislation
From 1 August 2017 the definition of "direct contact" within the legislation has been updated - see here for details. The term "supervision" has also been removed from the legislation, meaning that any person who works with children, whether under supervision by an existing WWC Check holder or not, must have their own WWC Check - see here for further information.
1 july 2017
changes to the victorian crimes act - child sex offences
The Victorian Government have revised and updated relevant sections of the Victorian Crimes Act to bring the terminology of the offences into modern language and to further strengthen the laws surrounding criminal sex offences against children.
17 march 2017
safe church training for new ministers
In response to requests from our denomination Safe Church Training for New Ministers is now available to assist new ministers in areas such as reporting requirements (including legal responsibilities), resourcing to aide ministering to individuals involved in an abuse-related matter, and, responding to Safe Church scenarios. This training is for both recently graduated or ordained PCV ministers as well as for those ministers and pastoral ministry workers who have recently come to a PCV charge from another denomination. Please contact the Safe Church Facilitator if you would like further details.
1 january 2017
The Victorian Child Safe Standards apply to all organisations in Victoria which work with children, including religious organisations such as churches, from 1 January 2017. The PCV complies with the Child Safe Standards - for further information please contact the Safe Church Facilitator.
4 august 2016
The Safe Church Compliance & Administration Officer, Mr Ian Atkinson, has commenced. Ian works Thursdays 9am-5pm and can be contacted in regards to
Working With Children Checks and Compliance Audit Schedule enquiries and compliance
compliance accreditation for PCV churches, organisations and individuals, including issuing of certificates
training compliance enquiries and support
administering Volunteer Approval Process applications
handling Safe Church material requests, including requests for manuals and brochures
Ian can be contacted on Thursdays via phone 0435 417 283 or via email at other times at ian.atkinson@pcv.org.au
Please also note the new email address for Fiona Bligh - safechurch@pcv.org.au
27 January 2016
The Safe Church Refresher Course has been launched. All details can be found at the Training page
4 january 2016
The PCV Safe Church YouTube Channel has been launched! For detailed information about holding Safe Church Basic Training in your congregation go to the Training page
December 2015
Coming Soon - The PCV Safe Church Youtube Channel
Launching in January 2016, the Safe Church Basic Training will be available for congregations to run in-house, via the use of a kit and training videos at the PCV Safe Church YouTube Channel. For the training to be compliant it must be authorised by the Session, registered with the Safe Church Unit and administered by the Safe Church Representative, as an official congregational event. It is not sufficient to refer people to the videos for them to watch in their own time.
12 January 2015
Safe Church Basic Training commences in 2015 and is offered in all presbyteries. Every person who
is in a leadership position
works with children
is involved in Pastoral Care
is required to attend Basic Training. More information is available on the Training page of this website.
The Basic Training Calendar shows the dates and locations of each session. The session lasts approximately three hours with a short comfort break half-way through.
Register your attendance with either the Safe Church Representative in your congregation or directly via email: safechurch@pcv.org.au
31 October 2014
The Victorian Government has introduced three new criminal offences to further protect children from abuse. These new offences have serious ramifications for all people who are in leadership in churches and all those who work with children under 18.
The three new offences are:
a grooming offence which targets communication, including online communication, with a child or their parents with the intent of committing child sexual abuse
a failure to disclose offence that requires adults to report to police a reasonable belief that a sexual offence has been committed against a child (unless they have a reasonable excuse for not doing so)
a failure to protect offence that applies to people within organisations who knew of a risk of child sexual abuse by someone in the organisation and had the authority to reduce or remove the risk, but negligently failed to do so.
All allegations of child abuse are investigated by the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Teams (SOCITs) at Victoria Police, who are specialist detectives trained to investigate the complex crimes of sexual assault and child abuse.
These changes raise the expected level of awareness and readiness to act by churches in terms of prevention of and response to child abuse. The role of the Safe Church Unit is to assist the PCV in adapting to this new legislative environment.
These laws will be covered in the Safe Church Basic Training which commences in presbyteries in 2015. In the meantime the main message is that leaders and those who work with children are to treat concerns about potential or known child abuse with the utmost seriousness. It is better to voice concerns than to downplay them. The Safe Church Unit is here to help the PCV community with such concerns and can be contacted for help and advice.
For advice and guidelines in relation to online communication and social media see Resources
2 October 2014
The State Government of Victoria has enacted changes to the Victorian Working With Children Check (WWC Check). For the purposes of the legislation a minister of religion is anyone ordained or appointed as a recognised religious leader in an organised religious institution or an appointed leader of a local religious organisation in an institution who has general authority over operations or some of the operations of the congregation in the institution.
Advice given to the Safe Church Unit during consultation with the State Government means that the broadened scope of the WWC Check will mean that the following people in the PCV require a WWC Check in addition to those already holding a WWC Check due to participation in child-related activities:
Ministers - regardless of whether or not their congregation includes children
Elders
Board Members
Appointed leaders of any ministry in the congregation – this includes music leaders, bible study leaders, and specific ministry leaders (for example women’s ministry or English teaching ministry leaders) - regardless of whether or not their ministry area includes ministry to children
The legislation is broad in nature and on advice the PCV will err on the side of complete coverage. The message from government is that the WWC Check is the minimum standard and organisations should be careful to ensure that all appointed leaders have a WWC Check . Exemptions may apply for congregations where there are no regularly attending children - please contact the Safe Church Unit for further information.
The WWC Check application form is now only available online. Please contact the Safe Church Unit via email or telephone with further queries or should any assistance be required. A link to the application page on the State Government WWC Check site is in the Forms page of this website. There is no cost for the check for all volunteers in the PCV.
Why do I need a check if my appointed leadership role does not involve children?
The Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Organisations and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse have revealed two key areas of concern that the broadening of the Victorian WWC Check seeks to address:
The need to change culture from "Child sexual abuse could never happen in my church" to "Child sexual abuse can and does happen in churches and everyone needs to be mindful of preventing it and ready to report it".
The need to remove "blocks" when a concern is raised with a leader in a church and that leader is either not mindful of the possibility of child sexual abuse occurring, perhaps even disbelieving about this or doesn't believe it is their responsibility to take the concern further.
By legislating that all appointed leaders in churches and organisations have WWC Checks the state government is seeking to both broaden awareness of child sexual abuse and assist individual leaders at all levels of church authority taking responsibility to report concerns, suspicions or known child sexual abuse.