Reporting Laws and Requirements - VIC

Child Safe Standards Cont.
Notes:

 

The new Child Safe Standards are as follows:

In complying with the child safe standards, an entity to which the standards apply must include the following principles as part of each standard:

  • promoting the cultural safety of Aboriginal children
  • promoting the cultural safety of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds 
  • promoting the safety of children with a disability.

To create and maintain a child safe organisation, an entity to which the standards apply must have:

  • Child Safe Standard 1 – Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued
  • Child Safe Standard 2 – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
  • Child Safe Standard 3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
  • Child Safe Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
  • Child Safe Standard 5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice
  • Child Safe Standard 6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice
  • Child Safe Standard 7 – Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused
  • Child Safe Standard 8 – Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training
  • Child Safe Standard 9 – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed
  • Child Safe Standard 10 – Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved
  • Child Safe Standard 11 – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people

 

Information:

 

It is important that all Educators working within an organisation, that is regulated to meet these child safe standards, should understand how their organisation is meeting these standards and understands their specific role in ensuring this continues.

Organisations providing services or facilities specifically for children in Victoria are required to meet the new Child Safe Standards from 1 July 2022.

What is required?

From 1 July 2022 organisations with responsibility for children need to have in place:

  • child safe policies and codes of conduct
  • screening, supervision and training processes
  • processes for responding to and reporting suspected child abuse
  • strategies to identify, reduce or remove risks of child abuse
  • strategies to promote the participation and empowerment of children
  • inclusive approaches for children with a disability, Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
  • Promoting the cultural Safety of Aboriginal Children and Young People.

This is COMPULSORY.

If you are an owner, Manager or Director of a service and are responsible for the implementation of the new Child Safe Standards, more information can be located below. 

Resources and support for the Child Safe Standards

What’s changing? Compare current and new Child Safe Standards

Organisations can email  childsafestandards@dhhs.vic.gov.au or call (03) 9096 0000 for further information.

In Safe Hands also provides consultation in assisting services meet these requirements.  For more information please email us at enquiries@insafehands.net.au 

Commission for Children and Young People