Introduction
Child-related organisations have a responsibility to provide environments that promote the safety of children and protect them from harm and abuse. The Child Safe Standards is a guiding framework for organisations to implement Best Practices in Child Safety.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
The Royal Commission investigated historical allegations of abuse against children within Australian organisations, and found that many failed to protect children from abuse and failed to prioritise the best interests of children when responding to child abuse incidents.
The Child Safe Standards and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
The Royal Commission identified 10 critical elements that are necessary to create a safe environment for children and young people. These elements became the 10 Child Safe Standards and are essential to creating a Child Safe Organisation.
In 2017, the Australian Government appointed the National Children’s Commissioner to lead the development of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. The National Principles encompass the Royal Commission’s Child Safe Standards and have been endorsed by the Federal and State Governments. The Principles aim to provide a nationally consistent approach to embedding child safe practices in Australia.
Safeguarding Children and Young People in your Swim School
Swim Schools should now be implementing the Child Safe Standards to:
- Reduce the risk of harm to children and young people.
- Strengthen the capacity to respond to child abuse incidents.
- Build trust and strengthen relationships with customers and the community
- Comply with legislation and government regulation.
How can Child Safeguard help you?
Child Safeguard is an award-winning firm that helps organisations prevent harm to children. Our experts advise organisations on how to build a Child Safe Organisation and how to implement Best Practice in Child Safety. We provide consultancy, training, and legal services tailored to child-related organisations.
Child Safeguard helps Swim Schools across Australia implement the Child Safe Standards and National Principles. If your organisation requires guidance and support, please contact Child Safeguard by email at: [email protected]