With new laws and reforms passed in the Parliament of NSW to help protect children and young people, based on recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
A key outcome of the reforms has been the adoption in NSW of the ten Child Safe Standards, and subsequent legislation changes made by The Children’s Guardian Amendment (Child Safe Scheme) Act that have triggered new responsibilities for all Council staff, volunteers and Councillors to protect and listen to their youngest residents and workers.
The Child Safe Standards are:
- Child safety is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
- Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
- Families and communities are informed and involved
- Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account
- People working with children are suitable and supported
- Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child-focused
- Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training
- Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur
- Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved
- Policies and procedures document how the organisation is child safe.
There is now a legislated requirement for councils to become Child Safe Organisations. Councils must address the safety and well-being of all children and young people, in business areas across council.
Council has now developed a Draft Child Safe Policy that was reported to Council at its Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday, 11 July 2023. The Draft Child Safe Policy will be placed on public exhibition next week and will be able viewed at www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au or from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday at Council’s Administration Building, 366 George Street, Windsor.
The Draft Child Safe Policy is a demonstration of Council’s leadership in keeping children safe and assists Council to meet its legislative requirements.
