New Standards Keeping Victorian Children Safe

New mandatory Child Safe Standards that ensure all organisations dealing with children have appropriate responses in place for allegations of child abuse and misconduct have been released online.

The Standards were developed in extensive consultation with around 160 government and community sector stakeholders.

They equip organisations such as junior sports clubs with the tools to prevent abuse and respond appropriately if the abuse of a child is alleged to have occurred.

While many organisations already have policies in place, these guidelines will ensure that minimum standards are implemented across the board.

The standards will come into force in two phases:

• From 1 January 2016 the Standards will apply to organisations that receive government funding and regulation and provide services for children
• From 1 January 2017 other organisations that provide services or facilities for children but don’t receive government funding such as sporting groups and child entertainment providers will need to meet the standards.

The Andrews Labor Government will provide training, information sessions and tools to help organisations create and maintain child safe environments under the standards.

This forms part of the Labor Government’s commitment to implement all the recommendations of the Betrayal of Trust inquiry to better respond to allegations of abuse and misconduct.

Legislation to mandate the standards across all organisations dealing with children in Victoria will be introduced later this year.

For more information visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/documents-and-resources/policies,-guidelines-and-legislation/child-safe-standards.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“The Andrews Labor Government is keeping its word and implementing the Betrayal of Trust recommendations in full.”

“This is an important step in ensuring all organisations that deal with children can better prevent and respond to allegations of abuse and misconduct.”

“These changes will help keep our next generation safe by making sure organisations dealing with children are equipped to respond and report appropriately when an allegation of child abuse is made.”