Child Safety

MACS’ Child Safety Commitment Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, and is deeply committed to upholding and embedding the highest standards of child safety across our schools. We are guided by our Catholic faith and the unique and unrepeatable dignity of every person in our care. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and protective environment where every child can feel and be safe. We are responsible for inspiring and enabling every child to flourish and enrich the world. Child safety is a shared responsibility for MACS, its employees including the board, executive leadership team, principals, teachers and staff and the wider community .

Overview of the Victorian Child Safe Standards 

The Child Safe Standards are a set of 11 requirements that organisations must follow to create a culture and environment that is safe for children. These standards aim to prevent, respond to and report child abuse by requiring organisations to implement policies, procedures and practices that put children’s safety and well-being first. They were developed in response to inquiries and recommendations from Royal Commissions and aim to drive cultural change within organisations that provide services or facilities for children.

The Victorian Child Safe Standards are a set of 11 minimum requirements that all organisations working with children must meet. These standards are designed to: 

• Prevent child abuse and harm
• Make child safety a shared responsibility
• Support the wellbeing of all children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children with disabilities 
• Promote the participation and empowerment of children and young people 

These standards apply to all school staff, volunteers, contractors and anyone working with children in schools.

Spotlight on Child Safe Standard 1 

Creating a Culturally Safe Environment for Aboriginal Children Child Safe Standard 1 relates to children and young people feeling culturally safe, respected, and valued.

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MACS Child Safety and Wellbeing Framework 

The MACS Child Safety and Wellbeing Framework (Framework) articulates the purpose, principles, standards and policies of MACS to ensure that our commitment to child safety and wellbeing fulfils our mission of providing a Catholic education that fosters a formation of the whole person that is deeply and enduringly humanising. 

The Framework provides the overarching alignment of MACS’ purpose, principles, standards and policies in regard to child safety and wellbeing. This Framework is designed to give MACS school communities a clear understanding of how the following elements support one another and ensure consistency:  

• the guiding purpose behind our commitment to child safety and wellbeing

• the standards and practice principles through which this purpose is brought to life 

• the policies by which these standards and practice principles are enacted 

The Framework should be read as part of a suite of key documents, including the: 

• Victorian Catholic School Statement of Commitment to Child Safety 
• MACS Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
• MACS Child Safety Code of Conduct 
• MACS PROTECT: Identifying and Responding to Abuse – Reporting Obligations Policy
• MACS Code of Conduct
• MACS Faith Formation Framework 

Informed by best practice and legal obligations, the Framework supports all MACS offices and schools in fostering cultures of safety and inclusion.