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Safe Place & Child Safe

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'a safe place for all...'

Sexual abuse or sexual harassment by people in positions of trust has a destructive impact on other people’s lives. Such abuse and harassment is totally unacceptable to the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA).

In observing Christ’s command to love one another, we are to treat each other with respect and dignity. In honouring people, we are also fulfilling our responsibility under the law of the land. The LCA is committed to implementing processes to ensure that the church is a safe place.

The LCA is committed to hearing and responding to people who feel that they have been subjected to sexual abuse and sexual harassment in any form. Those who hold positions of trust in the church are called to guard with great care the trust placed in them. They have an absolute responsibility to avoid all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment.

To seek help or make a complaint: call 1800 644 628

  • Free call number
  • Referral service only

Email: report.abuse@safeplace.lca.org.au

Mail: PO Box 519, Marden SA 5070

When you make a complaint you will be contacted by a specially trained person in your state who will walk with you through the process the church has established.

You will find a detailed description of the process here.

Safe Place

The term 'Safe Place' reflects the Lutheran Church of Australia’s (LCA) aspiration that we should be a safe place for all, where the grace of God is active, enabling wrongs to be confronted and healing brought to hurting people.

This policy covers complaints about sexual abuse or sexual harassment made against people acting on behalf of the church in any role.

This means that all members of the LCA should be aware of the Safe Place Policy. Therefore congregations are required to alert their members to the policy at least once a year (awareness training). In addition, all employees, volunteers and committee members are required to complete Level 2 training and then Level 3refresher training at least every three years.  For details about training requirments, refer to page 10 of the 2010 Safe Policy and Procedures guide, under 'Awareness and Training for the Safe Place Policy).

Child Safe 

It is essential that we care for the children and young people we encounter. We analyse situations and prepare so that people experience the best we can offer. To not prepare is not to care.

The ChildSafe Safety Management System is designed to promote the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual wellbeing of young people, their families and caregivers. 

ChildSafe is a safety and risk management system for people working with children and young people, incorporating a safety manual, policies and an online procedure system.

ChildSafe is relevant to anyone within the LCA who engages in work with children, young people and families.

It is an LCA requirement that all who are involved in ministry to children and young people complete the ChildSafe training requirements. 

Training

For training in Safe Place and Child Safe, please contact your district office.

Resources

LCA Resources

Other Resources