What is a Child Safety Policy?

A Child Safety Policy can be used by a business, company or other organisation to set out its policies for protecting children who use its services and/or participate in events and activities organised by it. The document is for use by organisations/businesses operating in Australia.

Is it mandatory to have a Child Safety Policy?

While it is not mandatory for all organisations in Australia to have a written Child Safety Policy, any organisation in Australia that works with children should have one.

The rules vary between the different states and territories of Australia. There is a set of national guidelines called the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations which is not binding, but organisations are encouraged to adopt these principles to ensure they are providing a safe environment for children. In addition, many state and territory governments have implemented laws that reflect the National Principles, and those state/territory laws are binding.

Under the National Principles (and many state/territory laws), organisations that work with children are required to have policies and procedures which document how the organisation is safe for children and young people. Therefore, having a written Child Safety Policy is a key part of ensuring compliance with these rules.

What are the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations?

The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations are a set of guiding principles that oganisations in Australia are encouraged to adopt when they work with children. The National Principles are not mandatory, and are not binding, but organisations are encouraged to adopt them in order to become leaders in their field.

In addition, some state and territory governments have adopted laws that reflect the National Principles. Those state and territory laws are binding.

The National Principles require that:

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

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

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

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

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

6. Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child focused.

7. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.

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

9. Implementation of the national child safe principles is regularly reviewed and improved.

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