The Victorian Government announced the introduction of compulsory Child Safe Standards for organisations which work with children in Victoria.
The Standards arose from a key recommendation from the landmark Betrayal of Trust Inquiry and support cultural change across organisations in order to ensure that children are protected from abuse and exploitation by staff and volunteers. The scheme builds on existing policies and procedures already in place to improve capacity and consistency across sectors.
LSV continues to work with Surf Life Saving Australia, the Australian Childhood Foundation and other Community organisations to ensure that LSV and clubs are provided with the resources and training to comply with these standards.
- Strategies to embed an organisational culture of child safety, including through effective leadership arrangements
- A child safe policy or statement of commitment to child safety
- A code of conduct that establishes clear expectations for appropriate behaviour with children
- Screening, supervision, training, and other human resources practices that reduce the risk of child abuse by new and existing personnel
- Processes for responding to and reporting suspected child abuse
- Strategies to identify and reduce or remove risks of child abuse
- Strategies to promote the participation and empowerment of children
a) Life Saving Victoria Commitment Statement
Life Saving Victoria is committed to the Safeguarding of Children and Young People (SCYP) and acknowledges a safeguarding organisation doesn’t just happen; it requires conscious action to protect children from harm.
It is imperative that we provide a safe and supportive environment for children and young people, that focus’ on fun, education and building the confidence of our people through positive learning and development.
LSV’s core values include being open, welcome, and inclusive and building stronger and safer communities for everyone. LSV empowers and expects all employees, members, board members, affiliated Clubs, consultants, contractors, and licensees, to create and maintain a safe culture for children and young people.
LSV is committed to reducing the risks of abuse and harm to children and young people, and will ensure all staff; members, affiliated Clubs, consultants, contractors, and licensees understand and adhere to the SCYP Policy and Procedure, relevant legislation, and statutory requirements.
References
Codes of Conduct for Dealing with Children and Young People in position of Authority
https://cdn.sls.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/SafeChild_Codes-of-Conduct.pdf
Understanding safeguarding children and young people – SLSA Guidelines –
https://cdn.sls.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Safeguarding-Children_Handbook_A4_V5.pdf
Templates & Forms
Templates, Checklists and Tools
https://lsv.com.au/safeguardingcyp/