March 2014 Public Hearing
The Royal Commission held a public hearing which commenced in March 2014 into the handling by The Salvation Army (Eastern Territory) of claims of child sexual abuse between 1993 and 2014.
The scope and purpose of the public hearing inquired into
- The policies, practices and procedures of The Salvation Army (Eastern Territory), between 1993 and 2014, for responding to claims of child sexual abuse at children’s homes it operated or elsewhere
- The application and adequacy of these policies, practices and procedures between 1993 and 2014
- The experience of people who made complaints to The Salvation Army (Eastern Territory) between 1993 and 2014
- The policies, practices and procedures between 1989 and 2014 concerning the disciplining of officers of The Salvation Army (Eastern Territory) who were the subject of allegations of child sexual abuse
The Salvation Army feels deep sorrow for every instance of child sexual abuse inflicted on children in our care. We are grieved that such things happened.
The Salvation Army sincerely apologises to the survivors of abuse and their families, and we also apologise to the Australian community .The Salvation Army acknowledges that every instance of abuse inflicted on children in our care was a failure of the greatest magnitude.
Anyone who would like to report instances of abuse is encouraged to contact our Centre for Restoration (formerly Professional Standards Office) by calling 02 9266 9781 or via email.
The Salvation Army employs former members of the police force as full time investigators to ensure evidence gathered on historical abuse claims is handled correctly and shared with the authorities.
Child protection
Today's Salvation Army no longer runs children's homes and has strong policies to protect children in our care.
To read more on our child protection policies visit salvos.org.au/safesalvos