The Divine Word Missionaries has officially been declared to be a participating institution in the National Redress Scheme.

Minister for Social Services Anne Ruston, made the declaration on August 26 after more than a year of work by the SVD to complete the necessary procedures and documentation.

The SVD AUS Province has begun the work of reviewing and formulating the Province’s policies and protocols in the area of Professional Standards, with the aim of producing a best-practice manual which will contribute to a safer Church and safer society.

The move forms part of the Province’s initial response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The SVD AUS Provincial Council recently undertook a workshop and reflection day on Professional Standards, to ensure the leadership team continues to be well versed in current policies, procedures and requirements in this important area.

The reflection day was facilitated by Dr Sharon McCallum, a consultant on ethics, complaints management and professional standards, who says the program focused on the Church’s response to allegations of harm to children or vulnerable people.