Council is committed to providing a safe environment for all children in our care and in our city.
We recognise the rights of children and young people and understand that they can be more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
Organisations such as councils, have obligations to care for children and these obligations are described in the Victorian Government's Child Safe Standards.
All members of the community have a role to play in keeping children and young people safe.
Victoria’s Child Safe Standards are a mandatory framework to protect children and young people from harm and abuse.
The Child Safe Standards (the Standards) commenced in Victoria in January 2016.
Changes have been made to make the Standardsstronger.
As an organisation Council will ensure it meets the requires of the 11 Child Safe Standards which are:
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.
Standard 2
Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
Standard 3
Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
Standard 4
Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
Standard 5
Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
Standard 6
People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
Standard 7
Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused
Standard 8
32 Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
Standard 9
Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
Standard 10
Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
Standard 11
Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
Resources for organisations that care or interact with children
A short guide to the Child Safe Standards