In February 2022, new laws were introduced to create the NSW Child Safe Scheme. These laws aim to make sure that organisations in NSW are doing everything they can to keep children safe.
Under the Children’s Guardian Act 2019, it is mandatory for certain organisations to comply with the Child Safe Scheme if they provide services to children, or if adults have contact with children in their organisation.
Responding to the Child Abuse Royal Commission
From 2012 to 2017 the Australian Government held a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. This special inquiry looked at cases of child abuse in various organisations across Australia. It found that thousands of organisations had failed to protect children from abuse.
The NSW Government took action in response to the Royal Commission by introducing the Child Safe Scheme. While the Royal Commission focused on sexual abuse, the NSW Child Safe Scheme aims to prevent all kinds of abuse that children may experience.
About the Child Safe Standards
The Child Safe Scheme is built on ten Child Safe Standards. These standards are principle-based and are designed to keep children safe by creating organisations that help prevent, detect and respond more effectively to harm and abuse, if it occurs.
Applying the Standards means that the best interests of children are always at the forefront, child abuse is never tolerated, and every child’s rights are respected. Concerns about child safety are taken seriously, and everyone is empowered to report abuse without obstruction. Applying the Standards also ensures you’re complying with the legal obligations of the Child Safe Scheme.
Organisations should apply these standards in a way that best fits their environment, community and how they interact with children and young people. This means tailoring your approach to suit your organisation.
The role of the Office of the Children’s Guardian
The Office of the Children’s Guardian is responsible for overseeing the Scheme.
We have a strong focus on education and capability building to help organisations put their child safe foundations in place.
Help for organisations getting started with the Child Safe Standards
But, if necessary, we can take enforcement action to make sure organisations comply with the Scheme to keep children safe.
