Child Safety Standards

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not intended to be legal advice. Organisations should confirm the legal requirements that apply to them and seek legal advice about their specific situation as required.

NOTE: The Child Safe Standards have changed. The new standards came into effect from 1 July 2022. Find out more information here.

If interacting with children, Victorian organisations are required by legislation to meet 11 Child Safety Standards.

• Standard 1: Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
• Standard 2: Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
• Standard 3: Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
• Standard 4: Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
• Standard 5: Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
• Standard 6: People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
• Standard 7: Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.
• Standard 8: Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
• Standard 9: Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
• Standard 10: Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
• Standard 11: Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

Application of each standard must reflect these key principles:

• Promoting the cultural safety of Aboriginal children
• Promoting the cultural safety of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Promoting the safety of children with a disability

By 1 July 2022, any dance business / school / company / organisation, engaging with children must:

1. Ensure you have policies that address each of the 11 Child Safety Standards.
2. Ensure that you place a Policy Statement or Commitment to Child Safety Statement on the wall to alert visitors to your policies/procedures and how they can gain access to them.