Child Safe Standards

PRINCIPLES OF APPLICATION. 

From 1 January 2017 the seven Child Safe Standards (the Standards) have applied to post-school education and training providers in Victoria. Since 1 January 2023. eleven Standards have applied in Victoria.. The Standards apply to the safety of all children and young people across the range of services and activities. A child or young person is defined as a person under the age of 18 years. In complying with the Standards, organisations must ensure each standard is understood and applied to their organisation and broader education and training community by promoting: 

• The safety of children or young people under the age of 18.
• The cultural safety of Aboriginal children. 
• The cultural safety of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 
• The safety of children with a disability. 

Research indicates that children from each of these groups are at a higher risk of child abuse and as such, the Standards require organisations to ensure they understand and address these risks appropriately in order to truly create a child safe culture. The following information outlines ways in which organisations can ensure they meet the standards and ensure the safety of each group outlined above. 

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.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 1

Standard 2:

Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 2

Standard 3:

Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 3

Standard 4:

Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 4

Standard 5:

Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 5

Standard 6:

People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 6

Standard 7:

Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 7

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.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 8

Standard 9:

Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 9

Standard 10:

Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 10

Standard 11:

Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 11

Further details please contact: compliance@mfs.com.au or (03) 9580 8822

Department of Education and Training: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/protect/Pages/default.aspx 

Email: child.safe.schools@edumail.vic.gov.au 

The Commission for Children and Young People: 

Web: childsafestandards@ccyp.vic.gov.au 

Email: http://www.ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards.htm