Introduction
The JMJ Bangalore Province continues to strengthen its commitment to safeguarding by creating safe, respectful, and nurturing environments within all its institutions and ministries. In response to the congregation’s safeguarding vision and policy framework, several initiatives were undertaken during the year to promote awareness, ensure policy implementation, train personnel, and establish structures that uphold the dignity and well-being of every individual, especially children and vulnerable adults.
The province made significant progress through awareness programmes, safeguarding commissions, professional training, and institutional mechanisms that promote a culture of care, accountability, and protection.
1. Release and Distribution of the Provincial Safeguarding Policy
14 February 2026 – St. Philomena’s Hospital, Bangalore : The Safeguarding Commission of the JMJ Bangalore Province successfully organized the official release of the Safeguarding Policy Book on 14 February 2026 at St. Philomena’s Hospital, Bangalore. The programme was organized with the purpose of creating greater awareness, strengthening commitment, and fostering a culture of safeguarding across the congregation and its ministries.
The event began with a meaningful prayer service, setting a reflective tone and reminding participants of the shared responsibility of ensuring safe and nurturing environments. This was followed by a welcome address emphasizing that safeguarding is not merely a policy requirement but a commitment rooted in respect for human dignity and care for one another. Sisters, staff members, collaborators, and invited guests participated enthusiastically, expressing their solidarity with the congregation’s safeguarding mission.
The Safeguarding Policy Book was formally released by Sr. Thresiamma, Provincial Superior of Bangalore Province. In her address, she highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in creating environments that are safe, respectful, inclusive, and nurturing for all, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults. She encouraged every member and collaborator to become familiar with the policy and actively implement its principles and guidelines in their ministries and institutions.
The release of the Safeguarding Policy Book marks an important milestone in the journey of the province towards strengthening safeguarding standards and practices. It reflects the congregation’s unwavering commitment to upholding the dignity, rights, and well-being of every individual entrusted to its care and reinforces a culture of accountability, protection, compassion, and respect.
The Safeguarding Commission expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Provincial Leadership Team, commission members, contributors, and all those involved in the preparation, review, and publication of the policy book. Appreciation was also extended to all participants whose presence and support contributed to the success of the event.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and a renewed commitment from all present to uphold the values and practices outlined in the Safeguarding Policy Book, ensuring safer and more welcoming environments in all institutions and apostolates of the province.
A major milestone during the year was the official release of the Provincial Safeguarding Policy Book. The policy was introduced and distributed among institutions to create greater awareness and establish a common framework for safeguarding practices.
The release of the policy strengthened the province’s commitment to:
• Creating safe and child-friendly environments
• Protecting the rights and dignity of every individual
• Establishing transparent reporting mechanisms
• Encouraging accountability and responsibility at all levels
The policy book serves as a guiding document for schools, institutions, communities, and ministries of the province.
2. Formation and Installation of Safeguarding Commissions
The province took active steps in forming safeguarding commissions at Provincial and Unit levels to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of safeguarding practices.
The commissions are entrusted with:
• Promoting safeguarding awareness
• Monitoring implementation of policies
• Responding to concerns and complaints
• Conducting educational and preventive programmes
• Supporting institutions in maintaining safeguarding standards
At institutional levels, safeguarding committees and safeguarding officers were appointed.
The committee were formed at the institution levels :
• Two women teachers
• One doctor/parent representative
• Three student representatives
• Safeguarding officer/coordinator
These committees serve as support systems for safeguarding concerns and preventive initiatives.
3. Preparation of Sisters Through Diploma/Certification Programmes
Formation and capacity building of sisters received special attention during the year.
Fifteen sisters attended online safeguarding diploma/certification programmes and successfully obtained certificates. These programmes enriched participants with knowledge and skills related to:
• Child protection principles
• Prevention and response mechanisms
• Legal frameworks including POCSO and POSH
• Safeguarding practices within ministries and institutions
The trained sisters continue to support safeguarding activities and awareness programmes in various institutions.
4. Awareness and Conscientization Programmes
To strengthen awareness and build a safeguarding culture, five major awareness programmes were organized for:
• Superiors
• Principals and Headmistresses
• Teachers at different levels
• Sisters
• Parents and collaborators
Topics covered included:
• POCSO and POSH awareness
• Child rights and child protection
• Safe and unsafe behaviour
• Personal safety and boundaries
• Good and bad touch awareness
• Online and cyber safety
• Reporting mechanisms and responsibilities
Various resource persons contributed significantly to these programmes:
• Fr. Francis Assisi conducted awareness sessions on POCSO and mandatory reporting for all the Principals and staff of all Karnataka regions.
• Sr. Joseph Mary and local Child Welfare Committee representatives conducted awareness programmes for all the superiors and workshops in Vijaya Marie composite PU. College and formation houses.
• Sr. Arogya organized training sessions for school teachers on various safeguarding topics.
• Headmistresses and teachers actively arranged programmes and classroom discussions appropriate to different age groups by local CWC officers and district officers.
5. Status of Safeguarding Policy Implementation
The safeguarding action plan prepared by the Provincial Safeguarding Commission has begun to be implemented in almost all schools and institutions.
Current status:
• Provincial policy finalized and implemented
• Unit-level policies are in the process of development
• Institutions have initiated practical implementation measures and monitoring systems
Many institutions have introduced awareness posters, codes of conduct, and safeguarding procedures. All the sisters and staff signed on code of conduct.
6. Safeguarding Sessions Conducted
During 2024 -2025 the reporting period
Number of Sessions Conducted: 5
Approximate Number of Participants: Nearly 1000 in each big institution and 300 in smaller institutions
Categories of participants: Sisters , Staff members , Students and Parents
Participation levels reflected increasing awareness and commitment among all stakeholders.
7. Cases Reported
Number of reported cases during the year: Nil
No safeguarding cases were officially reported to the Provincial Safeguarding Commission during this reporting period.
8. Challenges and Recommendations
Challenges:
• Need for developing unit-level safeguarding policies is seems not understood properly by the head of the institutions, they need training
• Greater awareness required among parents and communities
• Continuous training needed for newly appointed staff members
• Strengthening of implementation across all institutions
Recommendations and Future Action Points:
• Complete development of unit-level safeguarding policies
• Conduct regular refresher training programmes
• Continue professional training and certification programmes
• Establish stronger monitoring and documentation systems
• Increase student participation in safeguarding initiatives
Conclusion
The safeguarding initiatives undertaken during the year have strengthened awareness and commitment within the JMJ Bangalore Province. The active involvement of sisters, teachers, staff, students, parents, and collaborators has contributed significantly to creating safer and more respectful environments across institutions.
The province remains committed to continuing this journey of protection, dignity, accountability, and care by ensuring that safeguarding becomes an integral part of all ministries and apostolates.
Submitted by:
Safeguarding Commission
JMJ Bangalore Province