Our commitment to Child Safety
At North Central LLEN, children and young people are central to our work.
We work alongside children, young people, families, schools, community organisations, industry and other partners to create opportunities for children and young people across our region to thrive in education, work and life.
With that comes an important responsibility: to make sure children and young people are safe, respected, valued and heard whenever they engage with North Central LLEN.
We are committed to being a Child Safe Organisation
North Central LLEN is committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all children and young people.
We have zero tolerance for child abuse and harm. Child safety is everyone's responsibility, and we work to embed a strong culture of child safety across our governance, policies, programs, partnerships and everyday practices.
We are committed to meeting the Victorian Child Safe Standards and continually reviewing and improving the way we protect and support children and young people.
VIDEO: Taking Children's Safety Seriously: The 11 Child Safe Standards in Victoria
What child safety means to us
Being a Child Safe Organisation means creating an environment where children and young people:
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feel safe, welcome and respected
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understand their rights and know that their views matter
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are encouraged to participate and have a say in matters that affect them
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are listened to and taken seriously
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know how and where to raise a concern
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are supported to participate regardless of their background, identity, ability or circumstances
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are protected from abuse, harm, discrimination and inappropriate behaviour.
It also means ensuring the adults who work with children and young people understand their responsibilities and know how to identify, respond to and report concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing.
Respecting culture, identity and diversity
Every child and young person has the right to feel safe and to be respected for who they are.
We are committed to creating culturally safe and inclusive environments and recognise the diverse circumstances and experiences of the children, young people and communities we work with.
We recognise and respect the unique identities, cultures and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people and are committed to creating environments where Aboriginal culture is respected and racism is not tolerated.
We also recognise the particular needs of children and young people with disability, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ young people, and children and young people experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage.
Listening to children and young people
Children and young people are not simply participants in our programs, they have an important voice in shaping the work we do.
We want children and young people to feel confident to share their ideas, experiences and concerns. We seek opportunities to listen to their views, involve them in decisions that affect them and use what we learn to improve our programs and practices.
If a child or young person tells us they feel unsafe or raises a concern, we will listen, take them seriously and respond appropriately.
Your right to feel safe at North Central LLEN
You have the right to feel safe, welcome, respected and included when you take part in anything with North Central LLEN.
We want you to know that:
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You have the right to feel safe.
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You have the right to be treated with respect.
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You have the right to be yourself and be included.
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You have the right to have a say about things that affect you.
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You have the right to be listened to and taken seriously.
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You can say no if something makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
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You can speak up if you are worried about yourself or someone else.
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You can ask for help.
Something doesn't feel right?
If something happens that makes you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or worried, we want you to tell someone.
You can talk to a North Central LLEN staff member you trust, or contact:
Jane Hosking Chief Executive Officer 03 5491 1144 ncllen@ncllen.org.au
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
We will listen to you, take you seriously and help you work out what happens next.
You won't be in trouble for speaking up.
Our people and our practices
We support our staff, Board members, volunteers and others working on behalf of North Central LLEN to understand their responsibilities for keeping children and young people safe.
Our child safe practices include appropriate recruitment and screening, Working with Children Checks where required, induction and training, clear expectations for behaviour, risk management, and processes for responding to concerns, complaints and allegations.
We regularly review our child safe practices and look for opportunities to strengthen them.
Speaking up about a concern
We want children, young people, families and community members to feel safe speaking up if something doesn't feel right.
If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person in connection with North Central LLEN, we encourage you to tell us. Concerns and complaints will be taken seriously and handled sensitively, promptly and in accordance with our child safety policies and reporting obligations.
To raise a child safety concern or make a complaint: Maybe we could have some type of contact button?
Jane Hosking Chief Executive Officer 03 5491 1144 ncllen@ncllen.org.au
If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 000.
Our Child Safe policies and information
Our commitment is supported by policies and procedures that guide how we create safe environments for children and young people.
You can access the following documents and information here:
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Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy - currently being revied, will be uploaded shortly
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Child Safe Code of Conduct - currently being revied, will be uploaded shortly
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Child Safe Complaints and Reporting Process - currently being revied, will be uploaded shortly
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Child-friendly information about your rights and speaking up - currently being revied, will be uploaded shortly
Everyone has a role to play
Creating a child safe organisation is an ongoing commitment.
We will continue to listen, learn and improve, working together with children and young people, families, staff and our community partners to make sure child safety and wellbeing remain at the centre of everything we do.
For more information regarding Child Safety see these websites:
SNAICC – National Voice for our Children
Children and youth rights: protection in Australia
Resources for the Child Safe Standards | vic.gov.au
Social Services Regulator | vic.gov.au
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention & Support Services
Social media age restrictions | eSafety Commissioner