Safeguarding roadmap ticks all the right boxes
News
The Archdiocese of Adelaide has been handed a first-class endorsement of its improved safeguarding practices with an independent assessment finding it is successfully implementing and embedding a widespread culture of safeguarding.
Results from a March 2026 audit by Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd (ACSL) have revealed that the Archdiocese has complied with all 10 National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS) across parishes, Catholic Education South Australia schools and Centacare Catholic community services.
The audit was conducted jointly by ACSL and Safeguarding Central across 14 parishes, nine schools and two Centacare ministries, with more than 90 interviews conducted among clergy, staff, volunteers, parishioners, school students and parents.
ACSL chief executive officer, Dr Ursula Stephens, said the audit is not simply an assessment of current performance but is a roadmap for strengthening safeguarding governance, risk management and assurance across the Archdiocese in a manner consistent with the NCSS and contemporary regulatory expectations.
“The audit’s overarching finding is unambiguous. The Archdiocese of Adelaide is successfully embedding a culture of safeguarding across its organisation,” Ms Stephens said.
“Strong leadership from Archbishop O’Regan, the Chancery, and the Integrity and Safeguarding Department, which was established in October 2023, has translated into real practice on the ground.”
The audit found that people were championing and modelling sound safeguarding practices, procedures and language across the parishes and schools visited. Auditors observed that all parishes and ministries have safeguarding embedded in their leadership structures.
Archbishop Patrick O’Regan was pleased to hear that the safeguards being implemented by his team, led by executive director Adam Cartland, have been independently recognised.
“Ensuring we adhere to the highest possible safeguarding standards within the Archdiocese is fundamental to the daily life of everyone connected with the Church,” he said.
“The recognition, by the ACSL, of the work undertaken by the Integrity and Safeguarding Department to connect our safeguarding efforts across the Archdiocese (including Catholic Education and Centacare) over the past few years is an important, and welcome, part of that process and a timely reminder to continue the focus of safeguarding.”
The single strongest result in the audit was in complaints management (Standard 6). This means anyone who may experience harm has clear, accessible and well-understood pathways to raise concerns and be supported. Processes are actively promoted by local safeguarding representatives across ministries. This level of performance in complaints management is a direct response to the failures of the past and represents a meaningful commitment to accountability.
The audit confirmed that in regulated agencies and people-facing roles, the voices and views of children and adults at risk are genuinely listened to and incorporated into ministry and service delivery.
The Archdiocese’s approach was found to be trauma-informed and empathetic, drawing on academic research to better engage those with greater vulnerability. This reflects a maturity of approach that goes beyond compliance to genuine care for those the Church serves.
Centacare Catholic Services was specifically noted for its clinical supervision model, including one-on-one supervision, team supervision and access to senior practitioners.
The audit also identified areas of improvement as part of the Archdiocese’s continuous improvement plan. The Royal Commission stressed the importance of professional supervision of clergy as a safeguarding measure that cannot be ignored. Further investment in managing online safety and training to support stronger oversight of risk assessments and volunteer management is encouraged.
The Archdiocese of Adelaide has committed to addressing all recommendations. The full audit report, is publicly available on the ACSL website at www.acsltd.org.au
