Our Commitment to Child Safety
Gowrie Victoria considers that the physical, psychological and cultural safety of children is fundamental for their learning and development.
Everyone working for Gowrie Victoria is fully committed to providing an environment and promoting an organisational culture which:
- is safe, inclusive and nurturing for all children attending our services
- actively encourages children to express their culture and enjoy their cultural rights
- actively supports children with additional needs, children experiencing vulnerability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Peoples, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children who are unable to live at home
- facilitates child-friendly ways for children to express their views, participate in decision-making and raise their concerns
- is responsive to children’s contributions
- promotes social connections between children
Gowrie Victoria does not tolerate:
- the physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse of children, or any form of child neglect
- racism, discrimination or prejudice in any form
At each of our services and across our whole organisation, we have:
- a code of conduct which includes expected behavioural standards and responsibilities for child safety and well-being
- risk management procedures and practices to identify and mitigate risks to children’s safety
- recruitment and human resource management practices which take full account of child safety, including promoting Gowrie Victoria as a child safe organisation, rigorous reference checks and pre-employment screening for staff member or volunteers looking to join us
- a program of continuous education and training to ensure all our staff members are fully up to date with their child safe knowledge, skills and obligations
- practices in place to identify children who are at risk of abuse or neglect outside our services
- practices in place to ensure that families participate in decisions affecting their children
- effective and culturally safe processes for allowing families to raise concerns
- complaint handling processes which are understood by families, staff and volunteers
Gowrie Victoria:
- investigates all incidents relating to child safety
- reports all allegations of abuse as required by law and by our duty to safeguard children in our care
- shares information when required for child safety and well-being purposes
Gowrie Victoria regularly reviews its child safe practices to ensure continuous improvement.
