Talk about child safety

In January 2013, a Royal Commission was established to examine how public and private institutions protect children from sexual abuse, respond to allegations and report incidents.

The inquiry looked at how organisations with a responsibility for children managed these situations and where improvements were needed.

The Royal Commission highlighted that all organisations working with children must provide safe environments where children’s rights, needs and interests are prioritised.

Among its recommendations were a set of National Principles designed to guide organisations in creating and maintaining child safe cultures at every level.

The Commission also recognised the important role local governments play in supporting child safety and wellbeing in their communities.

It made several recommendations on how councils can use this role to protect and promote the safety of children and young people.

The City of Vincent’s Child Safe Awareness Policy reflects this commitment. It provides guidance and information for organisations and individuals operating in our community and promotes messages that support child safety.

Through this policy, the City demonstrates its ongoing dedication to keeping children and young people safe and its zero-tolerance approach to child abuse.

City of Vincent Child Safe Awareness Policy

Resources 

The Department of Local Government Sport & Cultural Industries has developed resources to support the implementing of child safe awareness policies. The resources can be downloaded and adapted as required to suit each local government and the community.

Guidelines for promoting child safe messages

Referral pathways information – resource for staff

Resources for Child Safe Organisations

Responding to Disclosure – resource for staff

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

More information and contact 

For more information please contact the City’s Community Development team by email at [email protected]