Child Safe Standards
WHAT DO THEY MEAN FOR YOUR ORGANISATION?
The Victorian Child Safe Standards (the Standards) apply to all sporting organisations that operate and provide sporting services to children and young people within Victoria. Organisations that provide a service to children, including sporting organisations, are legally required to comply with the Standards from 1 July 2022. The Standards outline minimum requirements and actions organisations must take to keep children and young people safe from all forms of abuse.
What Are The Standards?
1. Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
2. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
3. Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
4. Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
5. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
6. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
7. Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
8. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
9. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
10. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
11. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
Child Safety Policy
Paddle Victoria are committed to the safety of all children and young people and has zero tolerance for child abuse and anything that compromises the health and well being of children. We will ensure a child safe environment is maintained at all times with a commitment to children’s best interests and will actively work to listen to and empower the children and young people.
Paddle Victoria policies and practices prioritize child safety and promote shared responsibility, not just at a leadership level, by outlining all staff and volunteer responsibilities. Paddle Victoria will encourage a culture exists where staff, volunteers, children and families feel comfortable and supported when talking about any child safety concerns.
Paddle Victoria Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy – Draft July 2022
Please click the link below to view the Paddle Australia Child Safeguarding Policy as part of the National Integrity Framework. Please note that the new 11 Child Safe Standards are not part of the Paddle Australia policy as they have not yet been adopted nationally.