General News
24 July, 2022
A change in child standards
THE next 12 months will see child safety standards in Victoria extensively updated to further protect children and young people from abuse and mistreatment.
THE next 12 months will see child safety standards in Victoria extensively updated to further protect children and young people from abuse and mistreatment.
"This is about keeping Victoria's children safe," Acting Minister for Child Protection Gabrielle Williams said.
"These (new) standards will help organisations, clubs and individuals that interact with children do all they can to prevent abuse and respond quickly if it is alleged.
"(These) standards will help organisations embed child safety into their everyday practise."
The new Child Safety Standards were announced by state Government on July 1 and will commence on January 1 2023.
The 11 new Standards will replace the seven Standards that have been in effect since 2016.
The new Child Safety Standards will require organisations to have policies and procedures in place that promote safe environments for children and young people.
Organisations will also need to prepare adequate responses to allegations of abuse and misconduct.
The Victorian Government has consulted with Aboriginal leaders, the Commission for Children and Young People and the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People to update the standards.
"The key changes (to these standards) include new requirements (that) aim to involve families and communities in the efforts of an organisation to keep children and young people safe," Councillor Graeme Massey said during Council Meeting on June 29.
Mr Massey said these new standards hold a greater focus on the safety of Aboriginal children and young people, managing the risk of child abuse in online spaces and provides systems and governances’ greater clarity on processes that will help keep children and young people safe.
"The changes made support greater national consistency reflecting the national principles for child safe organisations developed by the Royal Commission,"
"Council's adoption of the new standards demonstrates council's commitment to (not tolerating) child abuse of any kind.
"Council's actions provide our community with the reassurance that we are committed to keeping our children and younger people safe while promoting the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and young people, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, (as well as) children with disabilities."
The updated Child Safe Standards will be implemented across the Yarriambiack Shire Council and in all decisions that affect children and young people under 18 years old.
The Victorian Government predicts 50,000 organisations that provide services and facilities to children and young people will be safer due to the new Standards.
These organisations include schools, sporting clubs, hospitals and churches.