Child welfare agency Anglicare Victoria this week issued a public apology over claims of abuse of young children in its care, saying it is devastated by the incidents highlighted in the Children’s Court.

The statement said Anglicare Victoria was sorry for any impact on the children.

While acknowledging mistakes were made, Anglicare says caring for the most abused and traumatised children in our society is complex and demanding work.

The agency says it acted immediately once made aware of the incidents and assisted an independent review of them.

It is also calling for a wider review of residential care services to prevent similar incidents.

Anglicare Victoria chairman Damian Neylon and St Luke’s Anglicare board president Bishop Andrew Curnow confirmed in May their welfare organisations would merge. 

Bishop Curnow told the Bendigo Advertiser the joining of the two not-profit organisations would help better serve communities. 

“The aim of this decision is to better respond to the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our community, and to ensure stability and growth for the future of both agencies,” he said. 

Bishop Curnow also said the merger was a decision reached by both boards of directors during nine months of talks. 

Mr Neylon said the organisation would now be able to deliver a more diverse and dynamic range of programs. 

 Bishop Curnow said St Luke's would keep its name, offices and staff.