Child Safety and Incident Reporting
Grace Communion International Australia is committed to providing safe ministry environments for
children and vulnerable persons. If you become aware of a concern, allegation, disclosure or incident, report it immediately.
Do not investigate the matter yourself. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
Immediate danger → Call 000 |
Concern or allegation → Submit a report |
Unsure → Report anyway
Report a Safety Concern
All concerns, allegations, disclosures or incidents involving children or vulnerable persons must be reported using GCI Australia’s approved reporting pathways.
This applies to pastors, elders, ministry leaders, employees, volunteers, contractors and anyone acting on behalf of GCI Australia.
If you have access to SMO, use that system. Otherwise use the GCI Incident Report site and select "Incident Reporting".
Documentation Requirements
When recording a child safety concern or incident, documentation must include:
- What was seen or heard
- Who was told
- What actions were taken
- Dates, times and locations
Records must be objective, factual and accurate, and must be stored securely in accordance with GCI Australia’s privacy, child safety and information management requirements.
What You Must Do
- Ensure immediate safety (call 000 if required)
- Report the concern immediately
- Record factual information only
- Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity
- Follow direction from GCI National Office
What You Must Not Do
- Do not investigate or interview anyone
- Do not confront the person involved
- Do not decide if it is “serious enough”
- Do not delay reporting
- Do not share information beyond those who need to know
Reportable Conduct and Safeguarding
Safeguarding responsibilities include responding appropriately to concerns involving children and vulnerable persons.
This includes behaviour that may cause harm, risk of harm, or indicates a failure to protect those in our care.
GCI Australia complies with Reportable Conduct Schemes across Australian jurisdictions. GCI National Office will assess reports and coordinate any required notifications to regulators, child protection authorities or Police.
Working with Children Checks
Working with Children Checks are required for all individuals engaged in roles involving children.
These checks must be issued by the state or territory in which you reside.
Annual Agreements
Annual Agreements support safe ministry practices and establish expectations for working with
children and vulnerable persons across GCI Australia.
Access Annual Agreements
Our Commitment
GCI Australia is committed to protecting the safety, dignity and wellbeing of
children and vulnerable persons, responding to concerns promptly and fairly, and fulfilling all safeguarding, reporting and compliance obligations.