LOVE COMES TO LIFE when we treat each other with courtesy and respect, and when the way we behave towards each other reflects the way God loves us.

The LCA’s new Child Safety Standards for Congregations have been approved by the General Church Board.
These standards were developed to implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations across all LCA congregations in Australia and are an example of the church's commitment to child safety.

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Earlier this month a Faith and Child Safeguarding global online conference provided a platform for people around the world to come together to exchange insights, experiences, challenges and best practices on child safeguarding in faith-based contexts.

Watch replays from the conference

On 27 October, the Australian Government launched the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse (2021-2030), a 10 year whole-of-nation framework. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the landmark National Strategy was the first of its kind.

“This is a watershed day for Australia. Today we deliver the first ever long-term, truly national plan to protect our children from the scourge of sexual abuse,” the Prime Minister said. “Australians were rightly shocked and appalled at the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and we made a promise to do everything possible to end these abhorrent crimes. “We have made great strides since then, through the National Redress Scheme, establishing the National Office for Child Safety, the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, and the world’s first eSafety Commissioner. But, this is the next big step. “While the Royal Commission was focused on child sexual abuse in institutions, the National Strategy targets child sexual abuse in all settings, including in the family and online. “We must stop the abuse, and we must better support those who have been abused and we are contributing an initial $307.5 million commitment to implement the National Strategy.”

The National Strategy was developed in partnership with state and territory governments and in consultation with hundreds of stakeholders, including victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and their advocates, children and young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disability and their advocates.

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Stop the Stigma

Research carried out by the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation has shown that child sexual abuse and online sexual exploitation is a stigmatised topic and not well understood.

By opening discussion, we reduce the stigma and build awareness. Survivors are more likely to seek support. Perpetrators will find it harder to hide. This is vital for preventing this crime from happening to our children.

Find out more

WORKSHOPS

Safe Church Level 1
Safe Church Level 1 Refresher
Safe Church Level 2

If you are unable to travel to a workshop, Level 1 and Level 2 training is also available online

Questions|Concerns|Feedback

Your local Professional Standards Officers are here to support you.

PSD webpage shortcuts

• Homepage and PSO contact details    www.lca.org.au/psd
• Training    www.lca.org.au/safechurchtraining
• Frequently Asked Questions    www.lca.org.au/psd-faqs
• Resources, including for Safe Church Coordinators    www.lca.org.au/psd-sp3
• LCA Standards of Ethical Behaviour    www.lca.org.au/seb