At Willoughby City, we are committed to being a Child and Youth Safe organisation. Our objective is to have children and young people that participate in our programs and activities; access our facilities and spaces, have safe and happy experiences.
We support and respect our children, young people, their families and workers.
We have a zero tolerance stance to child abuse; any allegations and safety concerns will be treated seriously and consistently with our policies and procedures.
We are committed to the safety of all children and young people; and will provide a safe environment for children and young people of all ages, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and all abilities.
Our aims
- Children and young people are safe and well in council’s facilities and open spaces.
- Policies and Procedures are developed.
- Staff are confident that if they see something, they can do something.
- Promotion of education programs to upskill staff across council.
- Active participation of staff in training and development in relation to Child Safety.
- All team meetings to have Child Safety as a standing agenda item for discussion.
- Increased awareness across council of how to make a decision regarding a child safety concern and what action to take (NSW Mandatory Reporter Guide).
Child Safe Standards
The NSW Child Safe Standards outlines ten elements that are fundamental to making an organisation safe for children and young people. These principles provide a consistent approach to creating child safe environments and culture within organisations. The Office of the Children’s Guardian oversees organisations, to uphold the rights of children and young people to be safe.
The Child Safe Standards encompass existing child safety requirements for individuals and organisations such as the Working with Children Check, the Reportable Conduct Scheme and requirements to report information to police and to the Department of Communities and Justice.
The 10 Child Safe Standards are:
- Child safety is embedded in institutional leadership, governance and culture.
- Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
- Families and communities are informed and involved.
- Equity is upheld, and diverse needs are taken into account.
- People working with children are suitable and supported.
- Processes to respond to complaints of child sexual abuse are child focussed.
- Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training.
- Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur.
- Implementation of child safe standards is continuously reviewed and improved.
- Policies and procedures document how the institution is child safe.
Our Child Safe Framework and Child Protection Policy guides practices across the organisation in relation to:
- Mandatory Reporting of Risk of Significant harm
- Allegations against staff (where children and young people are involved)
- Recruitment and Selection of potential employees
- Child Safe Organisation
If you are concerned about a child or young person and need help, assistance of urgent support, please contact one of the following:
- Emergency, call 000 to be connected to the Police, Fire Brigade or Ambulance services.
- If you think a child or young person is at risk of harm from abuse or neglect, contact the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111.
- If you need confidential counselling or support for a child or young person aged 5-25 years, contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.