1.0 Purpose and scope
This Policy explains how Each works to keep children and young Peoples safe, respected and included. It is written for young Peoples, adults, carers families and Community members. It does not replace the full Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy. We have created a special version for children.
2.0 Policy statements
This Policy explains our commitment to child safety and wellbeing, what children and young Peoples can expect from us, how carers, families and Communities are involved, and how anyone can raise a concern or make a complaint.
This Policy applies to all Each services, programs and activities that involve children and young Peoples, including in person, online, at Each sites, during outreach visits and at events. In this summary, “children and young Peoples” means people aged 25 years and under.
2.1 Our promise to you
- Children and young Peoples have the right to feel safe and be safe.
- We do not accept child abuse, harm, neglect, discrimination, bullying or exclusion.
- We listen to children and young Peoples and take what they say seriously.
- We work with families, carers and Communities when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
- We respond quickly and fairly when a concern, disclosure, allegation, incident, complaint or feedback is raised.
2.2 What child safety means at Each
Child safety means we put the safety, wellbeing, rights and voices of children and young Peoples at the centre of our work. We aim to prevent harm, notice risks early, respond to concerns, and keep improving our services.
The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations help organisations like Each ‘do right’ by children, young Peoples, families and Communities. Every state and territory we operate in, has their own version of the National Principles called the Child Safe Standards, meaning you and your family are covered.
2.3 What young Peoples and families can expect from us
- We treat you with dignity, kindness and respect.
- We explain your rights and support you to ask questions.
- We include you in decisions that affect you, as much as possible.
- We help you speak up if something feels unsafe or unfair.
- We use words and communication methods that work for you.
- We protect your privacy and only share information when we are allowed or required to do so.
2.4 Inclusion and belonging
Each welcomes and respects all children, young Peoples and families. We aim to provide services that are culturally aware, accessible, inclusive and affirming. This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young Peoples, culturally, linguistically and faith diverse children and young Peoples, LGBTIQA/SB+ children and young Peoples, disabled and neurodivergent children and young Peoples, and children and young Peoples with further diverse experiences as there are many.
How we do this:
- We do not tolerate: Racism, ableism, queerphobia, transphobia or any other form of discrimination.
- We ask what helps people feel safe, included and respected.
- We provide information in accessible and culturally responsive ways when we can.
2.5 Safer people, physical and online spaces
- We check that staff who work or volunteer with Each are suitable to work with children and young Peoples.
- Staff complete child safety training and are expected to follow Each Policies and the Code of Conduct/Child Safe Code of Conduct.
- We supervise children and young Peoples appropriately during services, activities and events.
- We assess risks in physical and online environments and take steps to reduce those risks.
- We record and respond to incidents, concerns and complaints.
We manage the use of photos, videos and digital devices (like mobile phones or tablets) carefully. We seek required consent, store images and videos securely, use service-issued devices where required, and report any concerns about digital safety.
2.6 Feedback and complaints
Children, young Peoples, carers and families can give feedback, make a complaint, ask a question or tell us what we are doing well. You can do this in person, by phone, by email or by speaking with a trusted Each worker.
We respond to feedback and complaints in a way that is respectful, prompt, fair and focused on safety. If you need help to make a complaint, an Each worker can support you.
You can expect that:
- We listen and take concerns seriously.
- We record concerns and keep information secure.
- We act to reduce risk and support the child or young person.
- We report to external authorities when the law or safety requirements say we must.
- We support children, young Peoples and families through the process where this is safe and appropriate.
2.7 Privacy and information sharing
We protect personal information and keep records secure. We only share information when it is allowed or required by law, when it helps keep a child or young person safe, or when consent has been provided where needed.
2.8 How we keep improving
Each reviews child safety practices, training, incidents, complaints and feedback so we can keep improving. The full Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and this plain English summary are also reviewed, with input sought from children, young Peoples, carers, families and staff when we can.
3.0 Definitions
Ableism: Ableism is when a person is treated unfairly, excluded or judged because they have a disability, or because people assume they cannot do certain things due to a disability.
Child Safety: Actions that help children and young Peoples be safe, feel safe, be listened to and be protected from harm.
Disclosure: When a child, young person or another person tells someone about harm or risk of harm.
LGBTIQA/SB+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, Sistergirl, Brotherboy. The + means the acronym may not cover everyone.
Queerphobia: Queerphobia is when a person is treated unfairly, excluded, disrespected, or made to feel unsafe because of being a part of the LGBTIQA/SB+ Community.
Racism: Racism is when a person is treated unfairly, excluded or judged because of their race, ethnicity, skin colour, cultural background/s, or nationality.
Transphobia: Transphobia is when a person is treated unfairly, excluded, disrespected, or made to feel unsafe because their gender is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Wellbeing: A person’s physical, emotional, cultural, social and mental health and sense of belonging.
Young Peoples: A person 25 or under. We say Peoples as this includes First Nations Peoples from here or elsewhere.
4.0 Document owner
The Child Safe and Family Violence Lead is the subject matter expert and person responsible for this document review.
5.0 References and related documents
5.1 Related Each documents
- Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy - Children’s version
5.2 External sources, resources, standards, regulation and law
- National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, National Office for Child Safety
- Queensland Child Safe Standards
- New South Wales Child Safe Standards
- Australian Capital Territory Child Safe Standards Scheme
- Victoria Child Safe Standards
- Tasmania Child and Youth Safe Standards