Child Safe Standards: Ensuring Safety In Your Organisation
The Child Safe Standards[1] are designed to prevent child abuse and harm by ensuring organisations have the right practices to safeguard children. These standards promote the safety and wellbeing of children, prevent abuse, and ensure organisations can effectively respond to any allegations of misconduct.
Why the Standards Matter
Cultural Change: Embed child safety in your organisation’s everyday practices.
Minimum Safety Standards: Ensure your organisation meets legal requirements and creates a safe environment for children.
Shared Responsibility: Everyone has a role in keeping children safe from harm.
Who Must Comply?
The Victorian Child Safe Standards apply to all organisations providing services to children and young people in Victoria[2]. Since 1 July 2022, all in-scope organisations must comply with these standards. In-scope organisations include (but are not limited to) schools, kindergartens, sporting and recreation groups, youth services and out-of-home care services.
The 11 Key Standards
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.
2. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
3. Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
4. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
5. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
6. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
7. Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
8. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
9. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
10. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
11. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
How LWA Can Help You Comply
We offer practical, tailored services to ensure you meet the Child Safe Standards:
Child Safe Standards Audit
Review your policies and practices
Identify gaps and risks
Provide an action plan to help you comply
Policy Development
Create or update your Child Safety Policies, including Child and Wellbeing Policy, Code of Conduct, Risk Assessment Plan, and Complaints Policy
Training & Information Sessions
Tailored training for staff and volunteers
Build awareness of the standards and your role in child safety
Investigations Support
Confidential, impartial support for investigations under the Reportable Conduct Scheme (RCS)
One-on-One Consultations
Need advice? We provide confidential consultations to help you understand your responsibilities and take action
Get Started Today
Ensure your organisation is compliant and provides a safe environment for children. Contact us for a consultation or to learn more about our services.