As an organisation that provides services to children and young people, the department must comply with the Standards.
Our commitment to child safety
All children have the right to feel and be safe. Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility. The department is committed to providing a child safe environment where children are safe and feel safe, and where their voices are heard about the decisions that affect their lives.
We are committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children. We have a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse. All allegations and safety concerns are treated seriously and consistently through our policies and procedures. Our aim is to prevent child abuse through identifying risks and, as soon as possible, taking steps to remove and reduce those risks.
We are committed to ensuring the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability.
In accordance with Child Safe Standards, we have developed a:
- Child Safe Code of Conduct – Child safe code of conduct (Word)
- Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy – Child safety and wellbeing policy (Word).
More information
For more information about the operation of the Child Safe Standards at the department, contact Operational Child Safeguarding via email at child.safeguarding@dffh.vic.gov.au
Commission for Children and Young People
Further information about the Child Safe Standards, including a range of advice, resources, templates and information on the Child Safe Standards is available on the Child Safe Standards page of the Commission for Children and Young People website.
More information
Contact the Commission for Children and Young People via phone: 1300 78 29 78 or email: contact@ccyp.vic.gov.au
Social service providers
Information for social service providers is available on the Child Safe Standards page on the Social Services Regulator website.
More information
Contact the Social Services Regulator via email: enquiries@ssr.vic.gov.au
Schools and education providers
Information for schools and education providers is available on the Protect children webpage on the Department of Education website.
More information
Contact the Department of Education via email: child.safe.schools@edumail.vic.gov.au
Early childhood services
Queries for early childhood services operating under the National Quality Framework or the Children's Services Act 1996 should be directed to the Department of Education.
More information
Contact the Quality Assessment and Regulation Division’s enquiry line: 1300 307 415 or email: licensed.childrens.services@education.vic.gov.au
Resources and related websites
- Child Safe Standards information sheet – on the Commission for Children and Young People website
- Child Safe Standards information sheet – easy read (PDF)
- Child Safe Standards information sheet – easy read text (accessible)
- Child Safe Standards translated information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds – on the Commission for Children and Young People website
- Posters about the Child Safe Standards – on the Commission for Children and Young People website
- A Guide for Creating a Child Safe Organisation – on the Commission for Children and Young People website
- Making Children Safe – on the Commission for Children and Young People website