Child Safe – Statement of Commitment

Sunraysia Community Health Services (SCHS)

Is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

Has zero tolerance for child abuse.

Champions the rights of every child to participate fully and feel empowered in their own journey.

Is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe and feel that their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives.

Strives to create an empowering space that honours the cultural identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and those from diverse backgrounds. We are equally committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment where children with disabilities can participate fully and equally

Is collectively committed to child safety. Every individual must understand their specific role in ensuring the wellbeing of children and young people remains our primary focus.

Has systems to protect children from abuse, will take all allegations very seriously and will respond consistently in line with the organisation’s policies and procedures.

SCHS demonstrates its commitment to child safety by:

• Taking a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety.
• Valuing and empowering all children to participate in decisions which affect their lives.
• Fostering a culture of openness that supports all persons to safely disclose risks of harm to children.
• Respecting diversity in cultures and child rearing practices while keeping child safety paramount.
• Providing written guidance, training and education on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children.
• Engaging only the most suitable people to work with children, have high quality staff, provide supervision and continued professional development.
• Ensuring children know who to talk with if they are worried or are feeling unsafe, and that they are comfortable and encouraged to raise such issues.
• Reporting suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities.
• Valuing the input of and communicating regularly with families and carers.