Working with children

Photo of a girl playing soccer

Safeguarding children and young people

All organisations in Victoria that provide services or facilities for children are required to comply with Child Safe Standards, to ensure that the safety of children is promoted, child abuse is prevented, and allegations of child abuse are properly responded to.

The Child Safe Standards are minimum compulsory standards for all organisations that interact with children and young people. The Standards aim to prevent abuse through a focus on cultural change and help to protect children from the risks of abuse.

On 1 July 2021 the Victorian Government announced new Child Safe Standards to more closely align with the National Child Safe Principles. The New Standards come into effect on 1 July 2022. Contact the Commission for Children and Young People for more information and to view the new Standards.

Always check in with your sporting association for code specific resources and for the most up to date information on Child Safeguarding.

Child safe standards

Victoria’s Child Safe Standards are a mandatory framework to protect children and young people from harm and abuse.

The 11 Child Safe Standards are:

  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.
  2. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
  3. Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
  4. Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
  5. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
  6. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
  7. Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
  8. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
  9. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
  10. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
  11. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

Safeguarding resources

Vicsport - Child Safe Sport

Vicsport has an online education program to support sporting community clubs implement the 11 Child Safe Standards.  The program is free and interactive program, designed to guide sport administrators, volunteers, coaches and/or officials through the Standards.

Find out more at the VicSport website.

Commission for Children and Young People

New Child Safe Standards Toolkit

Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) have developed resources to raise awareness of the Child Safe Standards and includes posters and social media content for organisations and young people.

Find out more at the CCYP website.

Sport Integrity Australia

Sport Integrity Australia provides a number of safeguarding resources including Induction and recruitment of volunteers and reporting and responding to Child Safe incidents guidance documents and online communication with children and young people.

Find out more at the Sport Integrity Australia website.

Working with children check

People engaging in ‘child related work’ must apply for the check. It is not an organisational card but an individual card. If your club provides services and/or conducts activities for, or directed at children, or whose membership is comprised of children then the individual must apply, this also includes senior clubs with players or volunteers that are under 18 years of age. 

For detailed information and clarification, it is advisable to visit the Working with Children Check website.

 

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