The website for the New Zealand Catholic Church’s National Office of Professional Standards (NOPS) has just gone live.
The website provides a platform for information on reporting abuse, safeguarding information and any related policies or documents.
NOPS Director, Virginia Noonan, says “the website provides another channel for reporting abuse and providing information on safeguarding in the Church, including policies and protocols guiding this work. The site will also allow us to better communicate this work with a wider audience, providing clear, cohesive and accessible information for visitors”.
Included on the website are easily downloadable guidelines, policies and standards for use in parishes throughout New Zealand. Te Houhanga Rongo – A Path to Healing, the Church’s protocol for responding to complaints of sexual abuse against clergy or religious, is also available for downloading.
The National Office for Professional Standards sets the strategic direction and ensures compliance of the Catholic Church’s safeguarding policy and procedures for children and vulnerable adults. It is developing a range of support materials and resources to assist Church entities to develop and maintain safe environments.
NOPS is also responsible for responding to complaints of abuse in the Church and overseeing the investigation of complaints of sexual abuse against clergy and members of religious orders.
Source:
Supplied: catholic.org.nz Amanda Gregan New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. Te Huinga o ngā Pīhopa Katorika o Aotearoa