On behalf of the Department of Communities and Justice, we at DANCE1 are committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all children in NSW.

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We acknowledge the central role we play in upholding this right to safety as and recognise that Child Safe Standards can be broadly applied to prevent and respond to all forms of harm, including psychological, physical and emotional abuse as well as neglect.

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We must do better to protect children and young people in our care.

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We cannot undo past wrongs, but we can make sure we do not repeat past injustices.

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We have zero tolerance of child abuse. We will treat seriously all allegations and safety concerns, in line with our robust policies and procedures.

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We will ensure children's voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives.

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We will ensure that child safety and wellbeing is embedded in our organisational culture, reflected in our policies and procedures, and understood and practiced at all levels of our work.

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Implementing the (CSAP), Child Safe Action Plan by creaing a set of Child Safe Standards to abide by,

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The standards are:

1. Child safety is embedded in organisation leadership, governance and culture

2. Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously

3. Families and communities are informed and involved

4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account

5. People working with children and suitable and supported

6. Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse (or other concerns) are child-focused

7. Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe, through continual education and training

8. Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse or other kinds of harm to occur

9. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved

10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is child safe.

 

The Child Safe Standards must be adopted by organisations and people working with children in NSW who are covered by the Reportable Conduct Scheme (entities listed in Schedule 1 of the Children’s Guardian Act 2019) including those in the education, early childhood, health, community service and youth justice sectors. Additionally, local councils, religious, and recreational organisations that provide services to children must also implement the Standards. 

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More information on the Child Safe Standards as outlined by the Office of the Children's Guardian can be found HERE.