What is the Child Safe Commitment?

    The Child Safe Commitment will be our public statement committing to child safety and sits within the Child Safe Policy.


    We believe children and young people have the right to be respected, empowered and safe.  We are dedicated to listening to their views and committed to our responsibilities in keeping them safe.


    What is the Child Safe policy?

    The Child Safe Policy introduces a framework based around 10 child safe standards that support Council and the Wollongong community in keeping children safe.  The draft policy covers:

    • Council’s Child Safe Commitment statement
    • Practices that support Council’s commitment as a Child Safe Organisation
    • Mandatory reporting and reporting child protection concerns or incidents
    • Selection and recruitment of staff
    • Risk management and training

    The draft Policy is designed to assist Council prevent and respond to any alleged child abuse or child safety concerns.  

    What is a Child Safe Organisation and why is it important?

    A Child Safe Organisation is one that creates a culture, adopts strategies and takes action to promote child well-being and prevent harm to children and young people.

    New legislation and reforms have been enacted to help protect children and young people.  A key focus of the reform is to create Child Safe Organisations based on Child Safe Standards.

    Child safety is everyone’s responsibility and we all have a role to play in keeping children safe from harm.

    What steps have been taken so far?

    In 2020, Council began a project to understand our current policies, practices and ideas related to child safety.  One of the first steps was to develop a Commitment Statement and a Child Safe Policy that will demonstrate our commitment to a child safe Wollongong. The draft Policy was endorsed by Council for Public Exhibition and is now open for community feedback.

    What are the next steps?

    Following public exhibition and the consideration of community feedback, the Child Safe Commitment and Policy will be finalised, and adopted by Council.

    We will also continue talking with children and young people about what a child safe organisation means and looks like for them.

    This will help us to develop appropriate information and resources for children and young people, and the broader community.

    Who do I contact for more information?

    Gillian Vickers – Community Development Officer