Child Safe Organisation
We are continually working to make sure we have a child safe and friendly environment where children and young people are respected, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
All children and young people have a right to be safe and feel safe.
About the child safe standards
In April 2012, a parliamentary inquiry was initiated into the handling of child sexual abuse within religious and other non-government organisations. This led to the Betrayal of Trust report being tabled in Parliament in November 2013.
In May 2015 the former Victorian Government accepted in principle all fifteen recommendations from the report. This included a three phased change implementation process:
- criminal law reform
- civil law reform and
- child safe organisations.
In late 2015, the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act (2005) was amended to include the Child Safe Standards.
Protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is everyone’s responsibility. The Child Safe Standards will help cultural change in organisations so protecting children and young people from abuse is part of everyday thinking and practice.
Organisation which provide support and services to children and young people are required to have the Child Safe Standards in place from January 2016.
Child Safe Standards as part of Council
Our policies, procedures and training support our employees and volunteers achieving the Child Safe Standards.
We are committed to:
- preventing child abuse occurring within our services, programs and facilities
- creating an organisational culture of child safety
- showing and training our employees and volunteers so they know what is required to children safe.
- ensuring our employees and volunteers know their responsibilities when they suspect abuse of a child or young person.
- making sure suspected abuse is reported and investigated fairly and with transparency.
Criminal offenses
- Failure to protect a child from sexual abuse (2015)
- Failure to disclose child sexual abuse (2014)
- Grooming offence (2014)
Related legislation
- Children Youth and Families Act (2005)
- Working with Children Act (2005)
- Child Wellbeing and Safety Act (2005)
- The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibility Act (2006)
- The Commission of Children and Young People Act (2012)
- Privacy and Data Protection Act (2014)
Information and support services
If you believe a child or young person is in immediate danger call 000
| Child Wise | 03 9826 6355 | Commission for Children and Young People Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm | 8601 5884 |
| Child Wise National Child Abuse Helpline (toll free) Moday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm | 1800 991 099 | Lifeline | 131 114 (24 hours) |
| Child Protection | Kids Helpline | 1800 551 800 | |
| After Hours Crisis Line: | 131 278 (24 Hours) | ||
| Business Hours: | 1800 075 599 | ||
