Advocacy groupwork
By Pauline and Rachel of Caritas Malaysia
Dec 15 2023
SIBU – Caritas Malaysia had formulated a Safeguarding Policy for Children and Vulnerable Adults which sets out Caritas’ purpose and scope as well as their responsibilities and obligations in protecting children and vulnerable adults as they carry out their mission.
Children, being the vulnerable in the society and the vulnerable adults ought to be protected from all forms of abuse, and Caritas has recognised the urgency of the matter.
Fr Fabian Dicom, National Director of Caritas Malaysia, explained the policy to Caritas members during the third Caritas National Assembly here Nov 12-16.
He said the policy was formulated in conformity with Canon Law and the statutory requirements of the Malaysian state legislations of the Child Act 2001, Child (Amendment) Act 2016 and Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, Penal Code and other relevant laws in force.
In formulating the policy, Caritas Malaysia had adopted the Safeguarding Policy of Caritas Internationalis and included certain aspects from the Child Protection Manual of Malacca Johore Diocese.
Fr Fabian said the policy applies to all Caritas Malaysia at all levels in the Church – national, diocesan, parish, members, and associates.
The policy, in a form of handbook, contains fundamental knowledge on safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, which includes annexes on public reporting system, proper handling of information received, mechanism for prompt response for any instance of child abuse or neglect allegation, a flowchart on the Reporting and Handling of Complaints to assist in understanding the steps and course of action to be taken in such cases.
During the assembly, Caritas members were given time to read the handbook and eight dioceses had collectively agreed to accept the policy and signed the acknowledgement form signifying their willingness to abide with the safeguarding procedures and protocols in place.
On the final day of the Assembly, Dominic Selvam, a lawyer and a former Chairman of the Industrial Court of Malaysia presented a session on Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults in the context of the Child Protection Act 2001.
Discussing in depth on the legislative matters specifically dedicated to child protection, outlining measures and guidelines aimed at safeguarding the welfare, rights, and safety of minors, this session covered various aspects related to child abuse, neglect, exploitation, child labour, juvenile justice, and other issues concerning children’s well-being and vulnerable adults.
