In 2016, the Victorian Government introduced Child Safe Standards to set out minimum requirements and outline the actions organisations must take to keep children and young people safe. In 2022, the Child Safe Standards were further improved and made more consistent with standards in the rest of Australia.
The City of Greater Dandenong Council must comply with all 11 Standards and is regulated by the Commission of Children and Young People (CCYP). The Council provides services and facilities that are co-regulated by the Department of Education (Family Day Care), the Department of Health (Immunisation and Maternal and Child Health Centre) and the Social Services Regulator (Youth and Families Support Services).
The Child Safe Standards are as follows:
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Standard 2 | Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture. |
| Standard 3 | Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously. |
| Standard 4 | Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing. |
| Standard 5 | Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice. |
| Standard 6 | People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice. |
| Standard 7 | Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused. |
| 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. |
| Standard 9 | Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed. |
| Standard 10 | Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved. |
| Standard 11 | Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people. |
To understand how the Council implements the Standards visit, the A Child Safe Organisation webpage.
More information
Watch a short YouTube video on the 11 Child Safe Standards
Watch an hour and half presentation designed for child safety leaders providing an overview of the Child Safe Standards
