Council Responsibilities
Victoria Child Safe Standards
The Victorian Child Safe Standards were introduced in 2017 in response to the Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and other Non-Government Organisations and apply to organisations that provide services to children and young people. In 2022 new Standards were introduced to provide a more robust framework to assist organisations, including Council, to keep children and young people safe.
Child Safe Standards
Child Safe Standard 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
Child Safe Standard 2 – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
Child Safe Standard 3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
Child Safe Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
Child Safe Standard 5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice
Child Safe Standard 6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice
Child Safe Standard 7 – Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused
Child Safe Standard 8 – Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training
Child Safe Standard 9 – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed
Child Safe Standard 10 – Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved
Child Safe Standard 11 – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people
For more information on the Child Safe Standards visit the Commission for Children and Young People
Reportable Conduct Scheme
The Reportable Conduct Scheme requires some organisations, including Council, to respond to allegations of child abuse (and other child-related misconduct) made against their workers and volunteers. Council is required to respond to these allegations even when the conduct is unrelated to the workforce members role at Council. Council must also inform the Commission for Children and Young People that Reportable Conduct is being investigated.
For more information about the Reportable Conduct Scheme visit the Commission for Children and Young People
Other Responsibilities
Mandatory Reporting
Some professionals working at Council are required by law to report a reasonable belief of child physical or sexual abuse to child protection authorities.
For more information on Mandatory Reporting visit the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Child Information Sharing Scheme and Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme
Some services provided by Council are permitted to share information to support child wellbeing or safety or to assist in managing family violence risks.
For more information on the Child Information Sharing Scheme and Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme visit website of The Victorian Government
For more information on Council’s responsibilities in keeping children safe contact childsafe@frankston.vic.gov.au