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	Archbishop Freier Welcomes Public Release of Report on Past Cases of Child Abuse Anglican Media June 17, 2009 http://www.melbourne.anglican.com.au/main.php?pg=news&news_id=20822&s=157 [Study of Reported Child Sexual Abuse in the Anglican Church] Archbishop Freier welcomes public release of report on past cases of child abuse Wednesday, 17 Jun 2009 The Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Philip Freier, has welcomed the public release of a report commissioned by the Anglican Church of Australia looking into past cases of child sexual abuse in 17 dioceses across the nation. The report examines 191 alleged cases of child sexual abuse reported between 1990 and 2008. Dr Freier said one of the chief aims of the report was to inform the Church on what steps could be taken towards better prevention of sexual abuse within church communities. "The report outlines 8 recommendations which will assist the Melbourne Diocese as we continue to work to create processes and protocols which will protect all children involved in church activities," he said. "Six of the 8 recommendations focus on protocols for youth work, including accreditation processes, safe ministry practices, and education about the risks of child sexual abuse in any organisation that works with children and young people." He added: "Two of the most important findings are that boys in the 10-15 age group have been one of the most at risk groups, and also that there tends to be a long time lag between the abuse of young people and the reporting of that abuse." The Archbishop said the Melbourne Diocese has already been working very hard in the area of safe ministry practices. "All church workers undergo a rigorous selection process and are required to have a police clearance, a Working with Children clearance, and a clearance from the Director of Professional Standards. "The Diocese also has an ongoing training programme, and ongoing accreditation is dependent on attendance at training sessions on professional conduct. "All complainants are listened to and the response always seeks to be pastoral. The Church now keeps excellent records. There is a full time professional standards director, who is available to take calls from anyone who wishes to talk through a complaint, a difficulty or a concern. "We are aware that systems can always be improved, and we will be closely reviewing all of our procedures in the light of the Report's recommendations. We want to ensure the safety of everyone when they attend church-related activities." "As a church leader, I am appalled by past abuses, and once again I offer my profound apologies for the deep hurts suffered by the victims of abuse. "We will remain vigilant, but I would also urge parents, if they have any concerns, to question individual church processes, so that they can have peace of mind regarding the safety of their children."
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