The Royal Commission into Institutional Child Abuse was held so we could learn how to better protect children against child abuse and related matters in institutional contexts in the future.

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A key aspect of this task has been to examine what makes institutions ‘child safe.’ While the Royal Commission is focused on sexual abuse of children in institutions, most child safe frameworks have a broader application and aim to assist institutions to prevent, identify and improve responses to physical, sexual, emotional/psychological abuse and neglect of children.

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National Child Safe Principles

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The Federal Government in Australia has introduced National Principles for child Safe Organisations. 

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Victoria and other Australia States have pre existing compulsory minimum standards that apply to organisations providing services for children to help protect children from abuse. 

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The government and 160 government and community sector stakeholders developed the standards and principles.  Pen McEncroe was an active contributor to these standards and principles. 
 

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Victorian Child Safe Standards

Victoria and other Australia States have compulsory minimum standards that apply to organisations providing services for children to help protect children from abuse. 

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From 1 July 2022, Victoria has a new set of 11 Standards that supersede the previous 7 Standards.

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Child Safe 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.

Child Safe Standard 2 – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture

Child Safe Standard 3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously

Child Safe Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing

Child Safe Standard 5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice

Child Safe Standard 6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice

Child Safe Standard 7 – Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused

Child Safe 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

Child Safe Standard 9 – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed

Child Safe Standard 10 – Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved

Child Safe Standard 11 – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people

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