Our Commitment to Child Safety

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all children and young people. The safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is our highest priority. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are dedicated to ensuring that all children feel respected, valued, and supported.

Our Approach

We promote a culture of child safety by:

• Creating a child-friendly and inclusive environment that values diversity and supports participation by all children, including those with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

• Ensuring that all staff, contractors, and volunteers understand their responsibilities under child protection laws and our internal policies.

• Taking all concerns, allegations, and disclosures of child abuse seriously and responding promptly in line with legal and ethical obligations.

Code of Conduct

All employees, contractors, and volunteers must:

• Treat children and young people with respect at all times.

• Listen to children and take their concerns seriously.

• Never engage in any form of physical punishment, emotional abuse, or inappropriate behaviour.

• Avoid being alone with a child where possible and maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

• Report any concerns, suspicions, or disclosures of abuse immediately to the Child Safety Officer or appropriate authority.

Recruitment and Screening

We implement rigorous recruitment processes, including:

• Working with Children Checks (WWCC) or relevant clearances for all roles involving child contact.

• Reference checks and identity verification for all new employees and volunteers.

• Ongoing training in child protection and mandatory reporting.

Reporting and Responding

We take all reports of child abuse or misconduct seriously. Any staff member, volunteer, or contractor who suspects or witnesses any form of harm or risk to a child must report it immediately. We follow all relevant legislative requirements for reporting and work closely with child protection authorities where required.

Empowering Children

We actively encourage children to speak up about their feelings and experiences. Children are made aware of their rights and know how to raise concerns if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Continuous Improvement

We regularly review and update our Child Safe Policy to ensure it remains compliant with current legislation and best practice standards. Feedback from children, families, and staff is always welcome.