Organisations regulated by WWC legislation are required to put in place policies and procedures to ensure the safety of children.  If an organisation receives federal funding, there may be additional requirements to align with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.  This course explains the differences, and helps organisations understand their legislative requirements, and obligations associated with government funding or grants.

Upon successfully completing this Child Safety Skill Set within your workplace, Organisations can apply to be acknowledged as a Child Safe Organisation and receive a certificate of recognition.

What is a child safe organisation? A child safe organisation puts the best interests of children and young people first.

The vast majority of organisations, staff and volunteers are motivated to do what is best for children and young people. Many organisations are already working to ensure child safety and well being, for example, by having a child safety and well being policy or screening workers for suitability to work with children.

Policies and procedures alone are not enough to keep children safe and well in organisational settings. A child safe organisation is one that creates a culture, adopts strategies and takes action to promote child well being and prevent harm to children and young people.

A child safe organisation consciously and systematically:

• Creates an environment where children’s safety and well being is at the centre of thought, values and actions.
• Places emphasis on genuine engagement with and valuing of children and young people.
• Creates conditions that reduce the likelihood of harm to children and young people.
• Creates conditions that increase the likelihood of identifying any harm.
• Responds to any concerns, disclosures, allegations or suspicions of harm.

This course can help organisations implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, and help carers learn about child safe organisations.  

As of February 2019, the final National Principles have been endorsed by members of the Council of Australian Governments, including the Prime Minister and state and territory First Ministers.

the National Principles outline at a high level the ten elements that are fundamental to making an organisation safe for children.

The National Principles include guidance to help leaders, staff and volunteers in organisations understand the important aspects of creating a child safe culture. 

At present, the National Principles are not mandatory. However, organisations that implement them will be demonstrating their leadership and commitment to child safety and well being. These organisations will become ‘organisations of choice’, because children, young people, families and communities will feel confident that they provide safe environments where children’s rights, needs and interests are met.

DP Training have developed this Child Safety Skill Set to support employees to gain a Nationally Recognised Qualification and implement practices to be recognised as a child safe organisation in any State of Australia.