Child Safety Standards Introduced To Help Prevent Abuse
The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to implement all the recommendations of the Betrayal of Trust inquiry, with legislation introduced in Parliament today for new mandatory Child Safe Standards.
The new legislation will ensure all organisations that deal with children have appropriate measures in place to prevent and respond to allegations of child abuse.
While many organisations already have policies in place, these guidelines – developed in extensive consultation with around 160 community sector and government stakeholders – will ensure minimum standards are implemented across the board.
They will come into force in two phases:
- From 1 January 2016 the Standards will apply to organisations that receive government funding or are covered by regulation or contractual requirements, 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 be required to meet the standards
The 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.
For more information visit http://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
“We are committed to implementing the Betrayal of Trust recommendations in full – this is an important step in keeping this promise.”
“These standards will better equip all organisations that deal with children with the tools to prevent and respond to allegations of abuse and misconduct.”
“We will be helping organisations implement these standards so Victoria’s children are safer and allegations of abuse are dealt with promptly and thoroughly.”