Child Safe Standards

Child Safe Standard #5:

Processes for responding to and reporting suspected abuse

Organisations have a responsibility to promote and provide an environment in which children, staff and volunteers are encouraged to speak up when they are uncomfortable or concerned.

 

This includes:

  • recognising that the safety of children is everyone’s responsibility
  • having a clear procedure for reporting concerns and allegations
  • encouraging children to report if they feel unsafe or concerned
  • making people within the organisation aware of their duty of care and legal responsibilities
  • appropriately acting on concerns and complaints
  • keeping and securely storing accurate records.

Responding to a child: 

If a child discloses an incident of abuse, there are a number of key actions that you and your organisation should undertake to effectively respond.

Action One: Respond to an emergency

Action Two: Report to authorities/referring to services

Action Three: Contact parents/carers

Action Four: Provide ongoing support

The Four Critical Actions for Schools
The Four Critical Actions for Schools