As part of the Victorian Government’s response to the Betrayal of Trust Inquiry, a set of child safe standards has been developed. These compulsory minimum standards will assist in protecting children from all forms of abuse.
"We hold child safety central to all that we do and are 100% committed to ensuring the children in our care are safe and thriving. We’re thrilled to see the Victorian Government taking the lead and implementing child safe standards to protect children’s rights", explains Janet Williams-Smith, General Manager of Service Development.
The child safe standards apply to all organisations that receive government funding and regulation for services to children, including ECMS, as of 1 January 2016. From 1 January 2017 other organisations that provide services or facilities for children but don't receive government funding such as sporting groups will also need to meet the standards.
The standards are:
Standard 1: Strategies to embed an organisational culture of child safety, including through effective leadership arrangements
Standard 2: A child safe policy or statement of commitment to child safety
Standard 3: A code of conduct that establishes clear expectations for appropriate behaviour with children
Standard 4: Screening, supervision, training and other human resources practices that reduce the risk of child abuse by new and existing personnel
Standard 5: Processes for responding to and reporting suspected child abuse
Standard 6: Strategies to identify and reduce or remove risks of child abuse
Standard 7: Strategies to promote the participation and empowerment of children
In complying with the child safe standards, organisations must include the following principles as part of each standard:
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promoting the cultural safety of Aboriginal children
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promoting the cultural safety of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds
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promoting the safety of children with a disability.
ECMS is currently completing a self-assessment and action plan to demonstrate and ensure the organisation is meeting or exceeding the new child safe standards.
For further information on the child safe standards, visit the Department of Human Service's website. If you have any questions regarding the new standards, please contact Kalie Littlewood, ECMS Quality Coordinator at klittlewood@ecms.org.au