Strengthening parish culture and supporting the vulnerable
Opinion
The Integrity and Safeguarding Department continues to work closely with parishes and multicultural communities across the Archdiocese of Adelaide to integrate safeguarding into every dimension of parish life.
The mission is simple but essential: to build communities where the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults at risk is not just a policy, but a lived, everyday reality.
This month presents two key opportunities to reflect on the broader impact of safeguarding. National Homelessness Week (August 4-10) reminds us that adults at risk – including those facing homelessness, poverty, or social isolation – deserve attention, dignity and pastoral care. These issues impact individuals across all parishes and communities and remind us that safeguarding is not confined to childhood but extends across the lifespan.
Equally, International Youth Day (August 12) invites us to recognise the leadership and creativity of young people, many of whom are already shaping safe, inclusive and vibrant Church communities. Safeguarding also means creating spaces where young people are genuinely listened to, encouraged to speak up, and supported as the future of our Church.
Across the Archdiocese, the Safe Environments for All (SEFA) collaborative auditing framework continues to progress. With the support of local Training and Safeguarding officers, parishes are working through Goal One: Committed Leadership, Governance and Culture. This foundational stage involves identifying strengths, addressing gaps and integrating safeguarding into daily operations.
Key actions have included the establishment of parish-level safeguarding policies, ensuring all relevant role holders complete the required training, improving the visibility of safeguarding information and empowering parish leadership to take shared responsibility of safeguarding efforts.
In collaboration with parish priests and councils, Safeguarding Contact Persons are helping ensure that key safeguarding messages, risk assessments and support resources are clearly communicated and accessible. Together, parish communities are gradually strengthening their capacity, awareness and confidence.
Parishes will soon be introduced to Goal Two: Engaging with Children, Adults, Families and Communities. This next phase builds on established leadership by shifting focus to active engagement and participation. It emphasises the importance of involving community members – especially children and adults at risk – in shaping safe environments.
This work encourages open dialogue, feedback and shared responsibility for safeguarding at every level of parish life. Importantly, many parishes are already involving children and young people not just as beneficiaries of safeguarding efforts, but as active participants.
In celebration of International Youth Day, parishes are encouraged to consider how young people can contribute to building safer environments – whether by offering feedback, leading by example or raising awareness among their peers.
The Safeguarding Operations Team has developed new resources – including posters and referral contacts – to assist parishes in recognising and responding to the needs of older people and adults at risk. These materials aim to raise awareness and inspire deeper conversation and action at the parish level, reinforcing that safeguarding is a whole-of-life, community-wide commitment.
To learn more about how your parish is progressing with SEFA, speak to your local Safeguarding Contact Person or contact the Integrity and Safeguarding Department on 8210 8150 or caasafeoperations@adelaide.catholic.org.au
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