Australia observes National Child Protection Week each September, as part of a nationwide initiative to protect children from abuse and neglect, recognising that protecting children is a whole of community responsibility.
The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) aims to raise the Australian community’s awareness of child abuse and neglect and create safer communities for children. By bringing child abuse and neglect out of the shadows, it assists in keeping child wellbeing on the national agenda.
This year marks the 32nd celebration of National Child Protection Week, with the continuation of the message that ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’, whilst shining a light on children growing up safe and supported.
This poster is just one of NAPCAN’s themed posters for the 2022 campaign. NAPCAN has a range of resources and events planned to celebrate National Child Protection Week, as well as a weeklong series of free webinars. These can be accessed on their website or by clicking here.
NAPCAN’s website informs us that:
Research supports that children are safest when they are listened to, respected, and believed. When children feel listened to and valued in relation to their sharing of everyday situations and small worries, then they are much more likely to feel comfortable sharing bigger concerns.
The Chief Executive Officer of NAPCAN, Mr Richard Cooke says, “Child abuse and neglect is preventable. If we all work together as a community, we can create an Australia where all children can grow up safe and well.”
Mr Cooke lays down a challenge to us all, when he asks, “What role can you play in supporting children and their families?”
The official launch of National Child Protection Week 2022 shall be delivered by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Her Excellency, Mrs Linda Hurley. The launch will include a keynote address by National Children’s Commissioner, Ms Anne Hollands. It will be a privilege to hear their insights during this webinar and you are encouraged to register for this event, which is scheduled for Monday 5 September 2022, 10:00am – 11:30am AEST. You can register for this opening launch, and any of the other webinars throughout the week, by clicking here.
The Australian Catholic Church observes ‘Safeguarding Sunday’ on the second Sunday in September, coinciding with National Child Protection Week.
Safeguarding Sunday seeks to acknowledge the immense damage caused by the sexual abuse of children, including by priests, religious and lay people within the Catholic context. It makes a commitment to the practices and protocols that create and maintain safe environments for all people, especially children and other people who are at risk. It invites people to pray for those harmed by abuse directly and indirectly.
The Sisters of Saint Joseph (SOSJ) are actively committed to fostering communities and a culture of safeguarding that recognises and upholds the dignity and rights of all people. SOSJ have developed a Adult and Child Safeguarding Commitment Statement to reflect and honour this commitment to safety of all people. We invite you to read our Adult and Child Commitment Statement by visiting our website or clicking here.
In 2022, SOSJ again pledges support for National Child Protection Week on NAPCAN’s website. You can click here to view our pledge.
Jane Lace
Safeguarding Co-ordinator
Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart