The Child Safe Environment Program helps organisations create and maintain safe and welcoming places for children.
These are environments where children:
- are protected
- are listened to
- feel respected and valued
- are encouraged to reach their full potential.
How the Child Safe Environment Program supports organisations
We support organisations to:
- develop child-safe policies and procedures that meet state laws and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
- submit their Child Safe Compliance (CSC) statement.
We also manage the Safe Environments: Through their eyes training program to assist organisations support their workers:
- recognise, report and respond to children who may be at risk of harm
- build their capacity to provide safe environments within the organisation.
Learn more about Safe Environments: Through Their Eyes training.
The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
The National Principles outline the key actions organisations should take to keep children safe and support their wellbeing.
They guide organisations to:
- promote child safety and wellbeing
- prevent harm and risk of harm
- build a culture that puts children first.
Safety includes:
- physical safety
- psychological safety
- cultural safety.
This ensures children are safe and supported in all settings.
The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations can be found on the Australian Human Rights Commission – Child safe organisations page.
How the Principles apply in South Australia
Each state and territory is in charge of putting the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, or similar standards, in place in their own area.
In South Australia, the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations replaced the Principles of Good Practice in the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017.
Contact the Child Safe Environment Program team
Phone 1800 371 113
Email dhs.childsafe@sa.gov.au