National Catholic Safeguarding Standards

The National Catholic Safeguarding Standards provide a framework for Catholic Church entities to build child-safe cultures.

Draft two (May 2021) of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, Edition Two expands the established framework for the safeguarding of children to include safeguarding requirements and practices for the protection of adults at risk. This second draft of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards Edition Two has been released in May 2021 prior to final adoption by the Catholic Church in Australia for briefing purposes only. Learn more about the updated draft of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, Edition Two here.

The National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS) are designed to be implemented by all Catholic entities, ministries and organisations across Australia.

The Standards constitute a framework which articulates the requirements for Catholic entities to promote the safety of children through the implementation of policies and activities to prevent, respond to and report concerns regarding child abuse.

They are designed to drive cultural and behavioural change and promote accountability and transparency of Catholic Church leaders and their ministries and entities.

The 10 National Catholic Safeguarding Standards are taken directly from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse’s final report, Volume 6.

The Standards work together and ensure each entity, ministry and organisation across the Catholic Church place child safety at the core of how they plan, think and act.

The first phase of development of the Standards focuses on safeguarding practices for the protection of children.  The Standards will subsequently be extended to include safeguarding practices relating to vulnerable adults.

Download the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards Edition 1 2019 

Download the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards Implementation Guide Standards 1 - 10 Edition 1 2019