New child safe standards have come into force in Victoria, including in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, to better protect children from harm and abuse.
The standards are compulsory for most organisations, businesses or groups that work or volunteer with children up to the age of 18 in Victoria.
Following six years of Child Safety Standards implementation and a further review by the state government, the standards are being strengthened in significant ways to better protect children from physical, sexual and psychological abuse and neglect.
Aligning more closely with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, the 11 new Standards will replace the current seven standards.
In an Australian first, a new standard will play an important role in keeping Aboriginal children safe and in celebrating their diverse and unique identities.
As well as a greater focus on safety for Aboriginal children and young people, the new standards will require organisations to involve families and communities in their measures to keep children safe.
They will also be required to manage the risk of abuse in online environments, and include an important and welcome focus on empowering children about their rights and taking them seriously when they raise concerns.
The work organisations have already done to meet the current standards will help them be compliant with the new standards, but most organisations will need to make some changes.
The Commission for Children and Young People has released guidance to help organisations understand the new standards and what the commission will look for when assessing compliance.
Organisations will need to take action to comply with the new Standards by July 1, but there will be allowances for organisations who need more time.
Commission for Children and Young People principal commissioner Liana Buchanan confirmed the initial focus would be on informing and educating organisations about their obligations under the new standards.
“From January 2023, the Commission will expect organisations to have more comprehensively implemented the new standards,” she said.
“Children deserve to feel safe, nurtured and protected by the organisations they interact with, and the new Child Safe Standards will help make organisations safer and more inclusive for all children.
Details: ccyp.vic.gov.au
