Safe environments: Through their eyes is training for workers in organisations that work with children.
It supports workers to recognise, report and respond to risk of harm, and to build child safe practices within their organisation.
Who should do this training
Child safe training for everyone is not required by law. Each organisation decides what training their workers need and how often it is refreshed.
This training is recommended for:
- staff and volunteers working with children
- persons running an organisation such as business owner and managers
- government, non-government organisations and community groups.
Choose the right training
The training you need depends on where you work.
Schools, early childhood services or OSHC
You may need to complete Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care (RRHAN‑EC) training if you work with children in:
- in schools
- early childhood services
- Out of School Hours Care (OSHC).
This training may be completed instead of, or in addition to, Safe environments: Through their eyes training.
The Australian Government requires everyone who works or volunteers in an early childhood education and care service to complete National child safety training.
Other organisations
Staff and volunteers working with children in other organisations are encouraged to complete Safe environments: Through their eyes training.
Ask your organisation what child safe training you should complete.
Safe environment training providers
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has endorsed a range of providers to deliver Safe environments: Through their eyes training.
- Training is delivered by department‑endorsed providers
- some providers offer live online training
- there is a cost to attend.
Safe Environments: Through their eyes training
Training for organisations that work with children and young people.
Find a training provider to secure a bookingWhat you will learn
Training topics include:
- child protection in context
- values and attitudes
- legislative obligations when working with children
- risk and harm, including abuse‑related trauma
- responding to disclosures
- creating child safe environments in organisations
- reporting a reasonable belief of risk and harm.
Types of risk of harm to children and young people covered:
- neglect
- psychological or emotional harm
- domestic violence
- sexual abuse and online grooming
- physical harm.
Resources to support your training
The DHS Mandatory Reporting Information guide supports child safe training by providing guidance on recognising indicators of harm, responding to disclosures, understanding reporting obligations, and maintaining child safe environments within organisations.
Department of Human Services: Mandatory Reporting Information
When to refresh training
Best practice is to refresh training every 3 years. This aligns with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.