The parish of St Francis Xavier acknowledges that safeguarding is a shared responsibility prioritising the care, protection and best interests of children and adults at risk.

By providing a safe environment, actively identifying and managing risk, and complying with the Safeguarding policy, guidelines and legal obligations, we serve Jesus and uphold human dignity as the foundation of our faith.  We aim for our parish to be safe, welcoming, and inclusive.

Our Parish is committed to implementing the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS).  We annually undertake a self-assessment (Safeguarding Activities Assessment Tool – SAAT) to continuously improve and monitor the implementation of the NCSS.

You can find out more about the safeguarding program, guidelines, find helpful resources, and protective behaviours resources and story books here: https://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/


Parish Safeguarding Officers
Parish Safeguarding Officers have a responsibility to:

  • Be a source of support, advice and information on all matters of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the parish.
  • Be the first point of contact for children, vulnerable adults and other members of the parish community regarding suspicions of abuse and other safeguarding concerns.
  • Respond to all safeguarding concerns in line with the Archdiocese’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures Manual, reporting these concerns to the Safeguarding Project Coordinator and/or other authorities, as needed.
  • Keep the Parish Priest informed of all concerns, responses and activities relating to safeguarding children and other members of the parish community.
  • Raise the profile of safeguarding in the parish; ensuring it remains a high priority and report on any issues or concerns in conformity with safeguarding policy and procedures.
  • Assist with proactive measures within parishes to safeguard children.
  • In respect to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, ensure compliance with all statutory requirements.

Our parish’s trained Safeguarding Officers–Wendy, Smitha, Atu, and Rebecca–are available to assist in all matters relating to the safety of children and vulnerable adults. They can be contacted at:


Parish Volunteers
All adults over the age of 18 who assist in any ministry at our parish must read the Archdiocese’s Safeguarding Handbook, complete Form 2 and Form 18 from the handbook, and have a current Working with Children’s Card. Please contact one of our Safeguarding Officers or the parish office if you have any questions.


Reporting Abuse
If you have concerns about the safety and well-being of a child or adult within the context of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth or wish to report abuse, you can:

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