Legislation Change: Child Safe Scheme

On 10th November 2021, NSW Parliament passed a bill to make implementation of the Royal Commission’s Child Safe Standards a requirement for child-related organisations.

What is the Child Safe Scheme?

The Children’s Guardian Amendment (Child Safe Scheme) Bill 2021 was recently passed in NSW. All Child-Related Organisations that are ‘relevant entities’ are subject to the Bill. The Office of the Children’s Guardian is the sole regulator overseeing compliance to the Child Safe SchemeThe Child Safe Scheme is an amendment to the Children’s Guardian Act 2019 to create a framework which requires all child-related organisations to comply with the NSW Child Safe Standards.

 

What does this mean for the Presbyterian Church in NSW?

The Church as a ‘relevant entity’ must implement the ten Child Safe StandardsThe CPU is working to ensure that the Child Safe Standards are embedded in Breaking the Silence policy, procedures and training. All church congregations need to ensure they are implementing the practices and processes of Breaking the Silence in order to be meeting the Child Safe Standards at a local level.

 

What are the Child Safe Standards?

1: Child safety is embedded in organisational 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 are suitable and supported.

6: Processes for complaints of child abuse 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 to occur.

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

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

For further information on the Child Safe Standards visit the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian website.

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