National Child Safe Standards and Why Organisations Should Care
Why National Child Safe Standards Matter in Australia
Following the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, organisations that work with children and young people are expected to create environments where children feel safe, respected and supported.
In Australia, this is guided by the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, also known as the National Child Safe Standards. These principles provide a consistent national approach to helping organisations build and maintain child-safe cultures.
The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (The Australian Human Rights Commission 2018) stipulates:
1. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
2. Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
3. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice
5. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice
6. Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child focused
7. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training
8. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed
9. Implementation of the National Child Safe Principles is regularly reviewed and improved
10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people
Together, these principles help organisations create safer and more inclusive environments where children’s wellbeing and rights are protected and promoted.
Why Are the Standards Important?
The National Child Safe Standards are more than a compliance requirement. They are designed to help organisations make child safety part of everyday practice, decision-making and workplace culture.
Strong child safe practices help organisations identify risks early, respond appropriately to concerns and reduce the chance of harm occurring. They also help build trust with children, families, staff, volunteers and the wider community.
Many state and territory laws now reflect the National Child Safe Standards and organisations that do not have effective child safe systems in place may face legal, reputational and operational risks.
Child Safety Is More Than a Policy
Child safe organisations are those where leaders actively promote safety, staff understand their responsibilities, children feel comfortable speaking up and concerns are taken seriously.
Effective safeguarding requires ongoing training, supervision, review and continuous improvement. Organisations must regularly assess their systems and culture to identify and address existing and emerging vulnerabilities.
The National Child Safe Standards provide a practical framework to help organisations strengthen safeguarding practices and create safer environments for children and young people. Organisations that genuinely embed these principles into their culture are better placed to prevent harm, respond effectively to concerns and demonstrate a strong commitment to child safety and wellbeing.
References
1. Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2017), Final Report.
2. Australian Human Rights Commission (2018), National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
3. National Office for Child Safety: National Principles for Child Safe Organisations(2018)
4. Australian Institute of Family Studies – Child Safe Organisations: Information for Organisations on how to Keep Children Safe; 6 Nov 2019
Sentara Consulting provides this information for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent advice tailored to your particular circumstances.
