We take child safety very seriously at Seaforth Child Care and observe the Child Safe Standards recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutionalised Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Being child safe means having established practices to protect children from physical, sexual and psychological ill-treatment, neglect and harm and other risks to their health, safety and wellbeing.

What does this look like in practice?

• We have a Code of Conduct and policies/procedures around children’s safety, including risk assessments, supervision plans, no personal electronic devices as per the National Model Code and other policies that identify, prevent and respond to possible risks to child safety
• We recruit carefully and have worked hard to create a culture of longevity within our team. Many team members have worked for us for many years and our induction process for new team members involves extensive training
• We conduct regular training on child safe practices, cultural safety, mandatory reporting and respectful and appropriate interactions with children to ensure the team understand their responsibilities and remain up to date on evolving child safe practices
• We have a complaints handling policy – Sophie and Anita are always available to address your concerns
• We teach the children about protective behaviours and how to advocate for themselves
• We have natural and clear lines of sight across all indoor and outdoor areas to promote visibility and accessibility of other staff and children. Our cot rooms have visual and auditory monitoring and there is CCTV installed around the Centre for additional security.

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 to respond to 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 continuously reviewed and improved.
10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is child safe.

Got a question about child safety or the Child Safe Standards? Please feel free to contact us directly. You’re also welcome to download any of the following resources below:

• Child Safe Standards brochure
• A Parent’s Guide to Kidsafe Homes
• Kidsafe: A Parent’s Guide to Roads