In order to keep children safe when they are accessing services in the community, the Children’s Protection Act 1993 requires that organisations providing certain services to children create and maintain a child safe environment. In this context, a child safe environment is one which protects children from abuse and harm.
All organisations providing health, education, welfare, sporting and recreational, child care, or residential services wholly or partly for children must ensure that they have a child safe environments policy in place to promote the safety and well-being of children.
Organisation in this context includes a wide range of bodies who work with children, including businesses, services providers and incorporated and unincorporated groups. An organisation may also consist of a single person.
Also included is the requirement under the law for certain people to report suspected abuse and neglect.
Recent changes to the Children’s Protection Act 1993 extend the steps these organisations must take to help protect the children in their care. From January 2011, these organisations will also be required to:
- Conduct criminal history assessments on certain employees, contractors and volunteers who are working with children (this requirement is being phased-in over three years); and
- Lodge a Child Safe Environment Compliance Statement with the Department for Families and Communities
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