The Child Safe Standards identify what works to make organisations safer for children. They emphasise the importance of adopting multiple strategies to address child safety.
The Standards are principle-based and focused on outcomes, not prescriptive compliance. This means organisations will have the flexibility to implement them in ways that are meaningful, achievable and related to their size, resources and workforce. With the right focus and effort, the Standards will support the development of strong organisational cultures that keep children safe.
Implementing the Standards should not be a burden but a way to embed child safety in the attitudes, behaviours and practices of organisations and the people who work for them.
Most people in organisations want to put children first and are motivated to do what is best for them. The Standards will help them do this even better.
Use our Guide to the Child Safe Standards to get started on your child safe journey.
Find more handbooks to help you implement the Standards on our resources page.
Cultural safety and diverse needs
The Child Safe Standards encourage organisations to consider the diverse needs of children.
General child safe policies and procedures sometimes overlook the needs of culturally diverse children and young people. The Royal Commission found that these children can experience heightened vulnerability because of their circumstances and need a more considered approach. For example, First Nations children may be less likely to disclose abuse because of a lack of cultural safety or fear of authorities intruding into their families and communities, based on historic experiences of systemic racism and abuse.
Applying the Child Safe Standards allows organisations to pay particular attention to the cultural safety of children. Organisations are encouraged to engage with communities to ensure their child safe approach reflects the diversity of the children and communities they serve.
