Criminal offences and the reporting of child abuse

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1. When the complaint concerns an alleged crime or reportable child abuse, the Contact Person shall tell the complainant of the complainant's right to take the matter to the police or other civil authority and, if desired, provide assistance to do so. The Contact Person should also explain the requirements of the law of mandatory reporting.
2. In all cases other than those in which reporting is mandatory, if the complainant indicates an intention not to take the matter to the police or other civil authority, this should be recorded by the Contact Person and confirmed by the signature of the complainant.
3. All Church personnel shall comply with the requirements for mandatory reporting of child abuse that exist in some States/Territories, and State or Territory law regarding the reporting of knowledge of a criminal offense must be observed. The appropriate Church authority shall also be notified of any such report.
4. No Church investigation shall be undertaken in such a manner as to interfere in any way with the proper processes of criminal or civil law, whether they are in progress or contemplated for the foreseeable future. However, where the complainant has chosen not to report the matter to the police or other civil authority, or the civil authorities have decided not to take further action under the criminal law or child protection legislation, the Church authority must act on the complaint.
5. The Director of Professional Standards shall endeavour to establish a protocol with the police in each relevant State or Territory to ensure that church assessments do no compromise any police action.

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