Child Protection and Promotion Workshop: Strengthening Pastoral Responses

The Family Life Commission held a Child Protection workshop for Diocesan Child Protection Volunteers (DCPVs) from June 9th to 13th, 2025, at the CBC Conference Hall in Gordons, Port Moresby. The event was organized in partnership with the National Office of Child and Family Services, under the theme: “Children and Addicted Parents of Drugs and Alcohol.”

Group picture of the participants, the facilitators and the invited guests taken during the closing program.

A total of 20 participants attended, representing dioceses from across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Four dioceses were unable to participate.

The main objective of the workshop was to equip DCPVs with knowledge and skills to address pressing child protection issues, identify gaps, and strengthen both preventative and responsive pastoral care systems within their respective dioceses.

The presence of His Grace Archbishop Rochus Tatamai MSC, as Bishop Deputy, and Fr Piotr Michalski, who also served as one of the main facilitators and chaplain, added a special significance to the gathering.

Workshop Highlights:

• Day One: Participants were refreshed on the Child Protection Policy 2022, focusing on its principles, standards, and practical applications. New volunteers were introduced to their pastoral roles and responsibilities in handling cases of child abuse.

• Day Two: Archbishop Rochus delivered a message on the pastoral letter for the Year of Jubilee, celebrating PNG’s 50th anniversary and the anticipated canonization of Blessed Peter ToRot. Sessions included the Theology of the Body and a discussion on the impact of substance abuse on children and families.

• Day Three: The focus was on the 12-Step Recovery Program, a key strategy for addressing addiction, along with sessions on disability, gender equality, and social inclusion. Participants were encouraged to integrate inclusive approaches in their diocesan activities, aligning with the Church’s mission for justice and advocacy.

• Day Four: Participants studied the Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015, which legislates child protection in PNG. Emphasis was placed on case management and the legal responsibilities of the National Office of Child and Family Services.

• Day Five: Presentations focused on communication structure of the Catholic church, digital safety, highlighting the online platforms commonly used by children and tips on safeguarding children online. The session aimed to educate parents and caregivers on how to safeguard children in the digital space, an increasingly urgent issue in today's digital age that is contributing to the rise on child sexual abuse.

Closing Ceremony:

The workshop concluded with remarks from Rev. Fr. Lawrence Arochiaraj, General Secretary of CBC PNGSI, and Mr. Otto Trur from the National Office of Child and Family Services. The event ended with a gift presentation and a group photo session.