The National Response Protocol is a framework for Catholic entities across Australia to respond consistently to people raising concerns or allegations of child abuse. The National Response Protocol outlines principles and procedures for Church personnel to follow that are trauma informed, sensitive, confidential, respectful, and just. These principles prioritise the safety and well-being of victims and survivors within a culture of harm prevention. 

The National Response Protocol was adopted by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) and came into effect for all dioceses and ACBC member entities from 1 February 2021.

The National Response Protocol replaces Towards Healing which ceased to be effective as of 1 January 2022.

In May 2022 the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference adopted Version 2 of the National Response Protocol which expands the scope to include abuse against vulnerable adults.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide has adopted and embraced the National Response Protocol and its accompanying Framework. 

The National Response Protocol and Framework can be accessed here: National-Response-Protocol-Version-2.pdf (acsltd.org.au)

October-National-Response-Framework-Version-1.pdf (acsltd.org.au)