In anticipation for next year’s International Safeguarding Conference (ISC), a “Call for Papers” has been made to researchers, academics, scholars and professors to submit papers related to the conference’s theme: Safeguarding and Disability.

The conference, which will be held in Rome on June 18-21, includes an “Academic Day,” a day dedicated to academic research and discussion between safeguarding practitioners and researchers in the field of abuse prevention.

The invitation for abstracts for papers and presentations was made in a letter signed by Father Hans Zollner, IADC Director, and Prof. Dr. Jörg M. Fegert, Trauma researcher and medical director of the Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Ulm (Germany).

“The aim of the conference is to explore the challenges and opportunities for safeguarding the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in a rapidly changing world,” the letter stated. “We welcome abstracts from various disciplines and perspectives that address” themes related to safeguarding and disability.

Among the topics that will be discussed during the three-day conference are Safeguarding measures for and with persons with special needs; disability and the higher risk of abuse and higher vulnerability; the triangle of institutions, parents and disabled children, adolescents and adults and the role of quality assurance and external surveillance in institutions, caring for persons with disabilities.

Since 2015, the ISC has brought together experts, safeguarding practitioners, and advocates from a range of backgrounds in order to provide a platform for learning, networking and sharing best practices in safeguarding.

The conference also seeks to promote the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals around the world through collaboration, sharing best practices, and raises awareness about the importance of safeguarding.

The deadline for the submission of abstracts is January 31, 2024. Click here to read the full letter, which includes requirements for submissions.

For more information about the conference, please visit https://saferchurch.org/ or contact the ISC Administrator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..