It reports directly to the Bishop. It is given the responsibility to oversight the safeguarding systems, practices and culture within the Diocese by the Trustees of the Diocese.The Office reports relevant information directly to external authorities such as NSW Department of Family and Community Services, NSW Police, NSW Ombudsman and NSW Office of Children's Guardian ( on behalf of the Bishop) as required by law.

In 2012, the Diocese identified, from listening to those who had suffered abuse and trauma from the Catholic Church in this Diocese, a need for a proactive and supportive approach to be taken that required a revised model of service. This resulted in the Office being established in July 2014. In 2015, the Office established a Healing and Support Service to respond to survivors of abuse. Since then the Office has evolved to meet the increased awareness of the importance of safeguarding and emerging needs for the service. This growth has been informed by the those who experienced abuse within the church, relevant professionals and increasing consultation with agencies within the Diocese.

It is now a team of 6 full-time staff consisting of a Director, Manager and two Professional Officers, two management and administration workers and one part-time Special Legal Counsel and one Healing & Support worker, both contracted to the Office.

The Office is committed to striving towards keeping all children and vulnerable adults safe and to respond with compassion and justice to the needs of victims, and their families, who have been abused by Church workers in the Diocese of Parramatta (including clergy, religious and lay people).

We will listen to the issue and assess how we can best advise, assist or support your agency in relation to the issue raised. This may include- giving you direct advice, meeting to discuss options, assisting with a report or a risk assessment, referring you onto suitable supports or services.

Firstly, you details will be taken and you will be put in contact with the Healing and Support team. They will connect with you within 72 hours ( or earlier if it is urgent). They will:

1. Ask what immediate supports you may need
2. Listen to what you wish to bring forward
3. Explain options for you that you may be interested in such as informing the Police, informing another relevant Church agency.
   
   

If you wish to engage with the Office to tell your story, the Healing and Support person can assist with any of the following:

1. Be a point of contact, companion, for next steps or while you consider what you wish to do.
2. Connect you with a suitable professional counsellor to help you record your story of what occurred if this is needed.
3. Connect you with suitable professional services or practical supports if needed.
4. Explain the options available to you if you seek this.
5. Support you to make any reports you may wish to make to Police or other Catholic Agencies ( such as Religious Orders or another Diocese) if relevant.
   
   

With your consent and request inform the Bishop, through the office, about any requests you are seeking from the Diocese for acknowledgement, healing or recovery.