Child safety

We are committed to keeping all children and young people safe and protected.

Every child, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, has the right to be protected from harm and abuse.

As a child safe organisation, we understand that at the centre of compliance is a broader commitment to cultural change. A child-safe organisation recognises that accepting concerning behaviour without speaking up equates to condoning it. Children and young people have a right to feel safe, and their safety and wellbeing are the responsibility of everyone. We all have an obligation to keep children and young people safe from harm and abuse.

That is why we maintain a child safe organisation that is consistent with the Child Safe Standards – and why we take a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse.

Reporting abuse

If a child or young person is in immediate danger call 000 and ask for the police.

To report concerns about: 

• conduct of a Banyule Council staff member, volunteer or work experience student towards a child, email ChildSafeReport@banyule.vic.gov.au
• child safe issues or incidents you've seen elsewhere in the community, can be reported by contacting the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

What happens next?

Reports about Banyule Council conduct are reviewed thoroughly. Relevant matters are escalated to the Commission for Children and Young People as required under the Victorian Reportable Conduct Scheme.

Our commitment

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and the prevention of child abuse. Reducing and removing the risk of child abuse will be at the centre of our decision-making concerning children in our organisation.

The organisation including staff and volunteers will be supported to understand children and young people’s diverse circumstances.

Children and young people have a right to feel safe; their safety and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone. We all have an obligation to keep children and young people safe from harm and abuse.

Acting on child safety concerns

We immediately act when we:

• witness an incident
• receive a disclosure
• suspect that a child has been or is at risk of being abused
• whenever we form a reasonable belief, which means acting even when we are unsure and have not directly observed the abuse.

Key practices

Zero tolerance

We have zero tolerance for child abuse and racism. All allegations and safety concerns are treated seriously and acted upon in line with the Council’s Managing Conduct and Performance policy. Substantiated matters will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Empowered participation

Actively engaging children and young people in decisions that impact their lives, amplifying their voices and perspectives.

Cultural respect and inclusion

Recognising and respecting the unique identities and cultural backgrounds of all children, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. We encourage the expression, enjoyment, and sharing of their culture.

Workplace culture

Staff, contractors and volunteers contribute to a workplace culture that supports: the safety, wellbeing, participation, and empowerment of children to express their culture and enjoy their cultural rights.

Our principles

Fostering a culture of safety and respect across:

1. Leadership and governance: embedding child safety in organisational leadership, ensuring accountability and transparency.
2. Cultural safety: creating spaces where children from diverse backgrounds feel respected and valued.
3. Family and community engagement: involving families and communities in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
4. Proactive awareness: educating staff and volunteers on child safety standards and their responsibilities.
5. Equity and inclusivity: recognising and addressing the diverse needs of children, ensuring equitable practices for:
   • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
   • Children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
   • Children with disabilities or neurodivergence
   • LGBTIQA+ children and young people
   • Children unable to live at home.
6. Preventative action: implementing strategies to identify and mitigate risks before harm occurs.
7. Empowering children: educating children on their rights and encourage their active participation in safety decisions.
8. Open communication: fostering a culture where children and adults feel safe to disclose concerns without fear.

Policy

We are committed to the safety and well-being of children and the prevention of child abuse, including First Nations children and youth.

Reducing and removing the risk of child abuse is at the centre of our decision-making. We are committed to providing an environment where children feel safe, are empowered, valued and protected.

Children will be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnicity and cultural and socio-economic background.