Child Safety

To get this information in your language, call us on (03) 9462 6077 or email office@prace.vic.edu.au

Child Safety Code of Conduct

Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

Contact our Child Safety Officer on 9462 6077.

Victoria has introduced compulsory minimum child safety standards that apply to organisations that provide services for children.  The Child Safe Standards aim to help protect children from all forms of abuse; and form part of the Victorian Government’s response to the Betrayal of Trust Inquiry.

The Child Safe Standards are as follows:

Standard 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.

Standard 2 – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.

Standard 3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Standard 5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.

Standard 6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.

Standard 7 – Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.

Standard 8 – Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.

Standard 9 – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.

Standard 10 – Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.

Standard 11 – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

Fact Sheet for young people about The Child Safe Standards

Statement of commitment to child safety

Prace is a child safe organisation that welcomes all children, young people and their families.

As we strive to develop dynamic, responsive and innovative educational programs, teaching and learning experiences, we will actively promote and protect the interests and safety of children. 

We are committed to providing environments where children and young people are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives.

This is achieved by:

• Having a zero tolerance for child abuse or harm
• Taking proactive steps to identify and manage any risk of harm to children and young people participating in our programs and services. When child safety concerns are raised or identified, we treat these seriously and respond promptly and thoroughly
• Working to actively listen to and empower children
• Promoting positive relationships between students and adults and between students and their peers. These relationships are based on trust and respect
• Engaging only the most suitable people to work with children, along with providing high quality supervision and professional development
• Ensuring our child safe policies, strategies and practices are inclusive of the needs of all children and young people participating in Prace programs and services.

Particular attention is given to the child safety needs of Aboriginal students, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, international students, students with disabilities, those unable to live at home, children and young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+), and other students experiencing risk or vulnerability. Inappropriate or harmful behaviour targeting students based on these or other characteristics, such as racism or homophobia, are not tolerated at Prace, and any instances identified will be addressed with appropriate consequences.

Child safety is a shared responsibility. Every person involved in the Prace community has an important role in promoting child safety and wellbeing and promptly raising any issues or concerns about a child’s safety.

We are committed to regularly reviewing our child safe practices, and seeking input from our students, families, service users, staff, and volunteers to inform our ongoing strategies.

Prace cares about our students’ safety and wellbeing. If you have a concern about this you can talk to Paddy McVeigh (CEO) or Libby Barker (Education & Business Operations Manager).  You can contact them on 9462 6077.   See our Complaints and Appeals page for other ways to tell us you have a complaint or concern about child safety.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 000. Look at our Reporting Child Safety Concerns flowchart for help.

Fact Sheet for young people about The Reportable Conduct Scheme

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If you would like to have input or provide feedback about Prace’s child safety and wellbeing statements, policies, procedures or strategies please click on the link below.