Safeguarding statement:

The Parish of St Francis de Sales is committed to the Safeguarding Policies of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from any form of abuse or maltreatment and to promote a safe environment for them.

This commitment flows from the fact that we are all made in the image of God and the Church’s common belief in the dignity and uniqueness of every human life.

We start from the principle that each person has a right to expect the highest level of care and protection, love, encouragement and respect that we can give.

We will liaise closely and openly with statutory agencies to ensure that any concerns or allegations of abuse that are raised are promptly reported and properly investigated, victims supported and perpetrators held to account

Copies of the Safeguarding Policies and Procedures can be looked at on request.

Please contact Judith Stephens, our Local Parish Safeguarding Representative, or Father Alphonsus or you can view the documents via www.csas.uk.net

Diocesan Safeguarding Office

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark CIO

Safeguarding Office 
St Gabriel’s House
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7FQ
0207 261 1606

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger. 
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased. 
If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the Police. 
If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to the safeguarding office in your diocese. You can contact the Archdiocese of Southwark Safeguarding Office by telephoning 0207 261 1606 or via email at safeguardingoffice@rcaos.org.uk