child safe policy
statement of commitment
Farnham Street is committed to being a child safe organisation and ensuring that no children are harmed by Committee of Governance Members, staff, volunteers or students.
We recognise our legal and moral responsibilities in keeping children and young people safe from harm and promoting their best interests. We have developed specific policies and procedures to support employees, volunteers and students to achieve these commitments.
We are committed to promoting children’s right to safety and protection by:
- Recognising children as active citizens and advocating for their rights as valued members of the community;
- Preventing child abuse occurring within our services, programs and facilities;
- Creating an organisational culture of child safety;
- Setting clear expectations of employees, volunteers and students as to what is required to keep children safe;
- Ensuring employees, volunteers and students are clear about their responsibilities when they are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of a child; and
- Ensuring all suspected abuse is reported and investigated as appropriate.
The 11 Child Safe Standards are listed below.
Child Safe Standards
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
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.
References