Becoming a child safe organisation
Being child safe is a continuous process that requires feedback and review.
Please note this information provides general guidance regarding the Child Safe Standards. It should not be considered as a substitute for legal advice.
Child abuse still happens now in organisations.
It is not just in the past.
“Thanks to recent inquiries and the advocacy of many survivors, we now know more than ever about the extent of harm done to children in organisational settings and this knowledge brings an obligation to act.”
Create a Child Safe Organisation
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Create a Child Safe Taskforce
Collaboration is key! Identify potential contributors from your club: parents, admin staff, coaches, athletes, and those with relevant experience. Include children & young people for representation. Meet regularly, aiming for at least once every three months.
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Do some readings
To begin your child-safe journey, you'll need some essential guidance. We recommend downloading and acquainting yourself with the 'Guide for Creating a Child Safe Organisation' provided by the Commission for Children and Young People. Read and ensure all task force members also have access to this guide.
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See how you stack up
With the assistance of a task force and a improved comprehension of the standards, it is now the opportune moment to assess your club's performance. Conducting an audit is an excellent approach to achieve this. The audit will be instrumental in shaping your action plan and identifying the key areas of concern within your club. Keep in mind that this audit marks the initial step towards compliance, so there's no need to worry if you're not fully compliant right away. Most clubs encounter some work to be done during their first audit.
Additional Readings
Betrayal of Trust Report
The Victorian Government has created a factsheet outlining the new organisational duty of care to prevent child abuse.
CCYP Guide for creating a child safe organisation
This guide aims to support organisations to implement child safe practices to create a culture where the safety of children is promoted, child abuse is prevented, and allegations of child abuse will be taken seriously and acted on. It aims to help organisations comply with the Child Safe Standards (the Standards) under the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic).
e-learning modules
As part of the Child Safe Organisations project, the Australian Government commissioned the Australian Human Rights Commission to develop practical tools and resources to help organisations implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
Online safety posters
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Dusty the frill neck lizard
Dusty the frill neck lizard trusts his feelings
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Billie the Bilby
Billie the Bilby wants you to make good choices online
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River the sugar glider
River shows respect and is kind to others
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Wanda the echidna
Wanda is responsible and protects her personal information
