In Catholic Education, protection for children and young people is based upon the belief that each person is made in the image of God, and that the inherent dignity of all should be recognised and fostered within community. A commitment to the protection of children and young people and upholding of their right to a safe and secure environment is critical to educational experience. Those in positions of responsibility in Catholic schools acknowledge their obligation to have in place proactive and interventionary policies and procedures which will:

• Provide students with a safe school environment;
  
  
• Ensure that school personnel have the knowledge and skills they need to promote such a safe environment; and
  
  
• Provide a prompt and supportive response to an allegation of harm of any kind.

Catholic Education Services is one of the many Church agencies which strive to promote the message of Jesus Christ in a very real way. The protection of young students is fundamental to this message.