Safeguarding

We are listening

Listening to children and young people in our parish groups and committees means we are present and attentive. Actively listening can encourage them to speak up, it builds their confidence and ensures our practices continue to be informed by their ideas and their needs.

For those who work with children

We provide employees and volunteers working with children with training that equips them with the skills to listen and respond in a safe manner. We are also ensuring easy access to training information, policies, and procedures to help create environments where children and young people are listened to and are welcome.

For children and young people

Given the growing number of groups in our parish—especially those supporting children from as young as five through to 17—we provide multiple opportunities for them to participate in decision‑making processes. These opportunities allow young people to voice their concerns, express their views and ideas, and offer insights from which we can learn. In doing so, we help build a culture of openness and encourage everyone, regardless of age or ability, to feel confident that they can express their opinions and be genuinely listened to.

This is reflected in our Family Committee for families with children under five, the Fersen Al Adra (Knights of Mary) Committee for children in primary school, and the Maronite Flame Teens for those in high school. Each committee is supported by a clerical chaplain and a team of dedicated young adults who actively engage with young families and children. Through weekly ministry every Saturday or Sunday on parish premises, they assist in nurturing the spiritual development and growth of our children and young people.

We support and engage

Positive and affirming experiences across our parishes, groups and committees help children and young people feel empowered, engaged and deeply connected to their faith communities. They are supported by clergy, religious and volunteers who are dedicated to nurturing their growth in the Maronite Catholic faith and fostering an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the Maronite Church.

For those who work with children

We provide our volunteers with training, so they are attuned to signs of harm and able to facilitate child-friendly ways to communicate and raise concerns. Training also includes strategies to know how to encourage children to express themselves and to respond appropriately to all views with respect. We also work to continuously foster an environment that treats all children as valuable, loved and cherished.

For children and young people

Through positive and affirming experiences children and young people are empowered to live dignified, fruitful and rewarding lives. Additionally, they build their confidence in themselves and in their Maronite community. They also highlight the importance of friendships and peer support, encouraging connections that help children feel safe, valued and less isolated.

We communicate

Children and young people will find their voice in a safe and supportive environment. This is reflected clearly in programs such as Fersen Al Adra (for children in primary school) and The Maronite Flame Teens (for children in high school). These initiatives are intentionally designed to have young adult youth ministering to children, guiding and supporting their spiritual formation, and helping to build our faith community from an early age. Through weekly prayer, discussion, learning, and living the faith together—supported by planned activities, games and excursions—children and young people are encouraged to grow confidently, express themselves, and deepen their sense of belonging within the parish.

For those who work with children

Priests, clergy and volunteers are supported to ensure all printed, verbal and online communication is age appropriate and designed to be easily understood. Their training and processes also require they create additional channels for children and young people to access information regarding their rights and their responsibilities. They are also trained to understand the importance of two-way communication. WhatsApp parents are kept informed and groups are created for parents to keep them informed of programs and upcoming events.

For children and young people

Children and young people are encouraged and prompted to provide ideas and suggestions, and express opinions to help them connect in a safe and supportive environment. This contributes to them feeling safe to be themselves and helps them recognise when something does not seem right but also know what to do. WhatsApp support groups are created for Maronite Teens, Flame children and the committee members at their local parishes as a way to listen, engage and communicate.