Safeguarding

Child Safe Principles – Unpacking the practice

PRINCIPLE 1

Child Safety and Wellbeing is Embedded in Organisational Leadership, Governance, and Culture

Principle 1 emphasises that child safety must be at the core of an organisation’s operations. Leaders, managers, and governing bodies should demonstrate a commitment to child safety by embedding it into policies, procedures, and everyday practices.

Below we look at ways to action Principle 1 in your organisation and provide some helpful resource links.

Embedding child safety in leadership, governance, and culture is an ongoing commitment. By taking proactive steps, organisations can create environments where children feel safe, valued, and heard.

Ways to put Principle 1 into action...

Who is your child safe champion?

Is it on the leadership agenda?

Are your organisation’s child safety policies publicly available?

Have you got a charter? Is it on display?

Make child safety part of your organisational planning

Create clear reporting and accountability mechanisms

Provide ongoing child safe training

Foster an environment where children feel heard and respected

Resources for further learning

To deepen your understanding of Principle 1 and implement best practices, check out these resources:

Australian Human Rights Commission
eLearning modules , specifically “Introduction to the National Principles eLearn” and “National Principle 1 eLearn”

Australian Human Rights Commission
Child Safety Charter of Commitment to Children and Young People

Australian Human Rights Commission
Child Safe Code of Conduct

Australian Human Rights Commission
Child Safe Organisations Tools and Resources

National Office for Child Safety
Principles and Guidelines

Department of Social Services
National Principles for Child Safe Organisations Guidance and Template