Due the work – and the reports – of Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, it has emerged that all jurisdictions must put into place protections for children in all institutions in the community and set forth standards for Child Safe Organisations. Multicultural and Multi-faith organisations will also be required to comply. The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) and the Victorian Cooperative on Children’s Services for Ethnic Groups (VICSEG) have been contracted by the Commission for Children and Young People to assist organisations like these to meet the Child Safe Standards.
Child Safety Standards Legislation (from 01/01/17)
Child safety is a shared responsibility at all levels for communities, organisations and institutions that directly engage with or provide services to children. These bodies should act with the best interests of the child as a primary consideration. Institutions need to ensure that this principle is widely known and understood by all staff and volunteers, appropriately integrated, and consistently applied across all elements.
The Victorian Government now requires professional and voluntary organisations, sporting clubs and associations which have contact with children to implement Child Safe Standards by 01/01/17.
Multifaith & Multicultural Communities
Multifaith Communities can actively anticipate their childrens’ diverse circumstances and respond effectively to those with additional vulnerabilities by making sure all children have access to information, support and complaints processes. To create and maintain ‘child safe’ communities, organisational leaders must become aware of the NEW “Child Safe” frameworks.
With the new Child Safe Standards legislation, particular attention is paid to the cultural safety needs of children from:
- Linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, and
- Children with disability
Victorian Cooperative on Children’s Services for Ethnic Groups (VICSEG)
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) and the Victorian Cooperative on Children’s Services for Ethnic Groups (VICSEG) have been contracted by the Commission for Children and Young People to assist organisations like yours to meet the Child Safe Standards.
VICSEG will carry out this very important work over the coming months, through consultation: 20 & 27 October, and Training: 24 Nov. 1 & 8 December (Please see flyer for more details)
For more information on training & consultation enquiries ring:
Toula Elefsiniotis | (03) 9353 5811 | childsafe@vicsegnewfutures.org.au
VICSEG New Futures | S201, 398 Sydney Rd Coburg, VIC 3058 | www.vicsegnewfutures.org.au
