The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) coordinates National Child Protection Week (NCPW), and the campaign in 2026 is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
The purpose of NCPW is to build a shared commitment to prevention by reminding us that protecting children is everyone’s business, not only the job of specialists or government systems. It invites all of us – parents and carers, community leaders, service providers, policymakers, neighbours and young people – to reflect on how our everyday decisions shape children’s safety and wellbeing.
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart (SOSJ) Safeguarding Commitment Statement and other Safeguarding Policies, highlight that ‘Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility’ which aligns with this NCPW commitment. You can access our safeguarding documents here.
In 2026, we are again challenged by the National Child Protection Week theme:
Conversations can spark new ideas and encourage reflection. But real change happens when those conversations translate into practical steps that create safer environments and stronger support for children and families.
Children thrive when we understand how to play our part in keeping them safe and well.
There are many things that we can do in everyday life – to make a difference in the life of a child – in our ministry, in our jobs, in our families, in our neighbourhoods, and in our social groups. The NAPCAN website has some wonderful tips for how we can all play our part, regardless of whether we are an aunt/uncle, brother/sister, friend, neighbour, parent or worker. You can click here to access these tips.
Here are just two NAPCAN tips for Religious Communities:
- Being a Child Safe Organisation – safeguarding policies and procedures and training; being compliant with various child safety legislation such as mandatory reporting; engaging independent audit of safeguarding practices.
- Having a safeguarding code of conduct – detailing clear roles and boundaries of acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, which apply to all people; ensuring that people who are engaged with children hold a valid state/territory-based Working With Children Check.
SOSJ is committed to doing all that we can to ensure the protection of children and adults at risk and has been certified as compliant following the most recent safeguarding audit of the Congregation.
SOSJ annually pledge support for National Child Protection Week. You can click here to view our 2026 pledge on NAPCAN’s website.
To further our support, the below 2026 National Child Protection Week posters will be on display within our Congregational and Regional Offices. The artwork speaks to the power of conversation as a catalyst for action. It highlights that through connection, understanding, and collective effort, we can create meaningful change and safer environments for children and communities across Australia. To raise awareness within your own circle of influence, you can access a free digital version of these posters by clicking here.
NAPCAN invites us to participate in a webinar program during the week of National Child Protection Week. You are invited to view the week-long webinar program by clicking here and registering for these free webinars.
The Australian Catholic Church observes Safeguarding Sunday (previously called ‘Child Protection Sunday’) on the second Sunday in September each year. Safeguarding Sunday coincides with National Child Protection Week and falls on Sunday 13 September 2026.
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 contexts. 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.
Looking ahead, Children’s Week will be held between 24 October – 1 November 2026. Children’s Week celebrates children’s rights, recognises their achievements and highlights their right to enjoy childhood, to be heard and to thrive. This day reminds us to uphold the dignity and rights of all children, especially those who face disadvantage or do not have access to the essentials for a safe, happy and healthy life.
The theme for 2026 strongly advocates for and promotes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child, Article 30: ‘Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practice their religion.’
As you can see, the September and October calendars are a busy time to recognise, reflect and commit to a world which is safe for all. Please join with me in paying tribute to these important dates.
Jane Lace
Safeguarding Co-ordinator
jane.lace@sosj.org.au
+61 2 8912 2760
NAPCAN and NCPW images obtained from NAPCAN – National Child Protection Week.