Our commitment

Keeping children safe

The health and wellbeing of children and families is our most important priority. We, and the organisations that deliver HIPPY, share a commitment to work together, making sure that children stay safe from harm through pre-established processes, trainings and checks.

HIPPY’s funder, the Department of Social Services (DSS), requires that we ask each provider organisation for National Police Checks (NCCHCs) and Working with Children/Vulnerable People Checks from all staff working with and for the HIPPY program.

These checks ensure that any potential risks to children are identified, and that provider organisations, with the support of HIPPY Australia, can make informed decisions on how these risks are managed and their program is run.

HIPPY Australia knows that your safeguarding processes are solid from the information your organisation has previously shared with us. In situations where police checks show a history, HIPPY providers carry out their own risk assessments, knowing that you make the best decisions for your organisation and communities. In some cases, you will need to let us know that you have completed these risk assessments so that we can inform DSS; this is part of BSL’s contractual requirement for the HIPPY contract.

Respecting community members

HIPPY Australia also has a commitment to all staff and community members handing over personal information as part of these safeguarding processes. We understand that sensitivity and trust are required when dealing with personal information, alongside the confidentiality and privacy required by law.

Data sovereignty is a key part of self-determination. Historically, First Nations peoples have had their data and information collected without control, or a meaningful voice over how it has been gathered, stored, or used. Too often, this data has been used to make decisions on First Nations people’s behalf, including developing systems that have harmed their rights, or excluded them from employment opportunities and essential services.

HIPPY Australia understands that, especially with these lived experiences, trust is earned. At the same time, we acknowledge that our contractual obligation with DSS asks you to go through these thorough processes at the very start of our organisations’ relationship with BSL.

Together, we have a responsibility to keep children safe. HIPPY Australia also has a responsibility to you to be transparent in how information is managed and protected.

All safeguarding checks are:

• Stored securely and are only accessible to the HIPPY Australia Quality team and Head of HIPPY as part of their sighting them and recording reference numbers and expiry dates
• Promptly deleted after this process is complete

If you would like more information on how safeguarding check information is used and stored, please get in touch.

Thank you for your understanding and your commitment to child safety,

HIPPY Australia