Child Safety in Latrobe

If a child or young person is in immediate danger call the Police on 000 (triple zero).

Latrobe City is a child safe organisation. We have a zero tolerance towards child abuse and are committed to the Victorian Child Safe Standards. We believe that every child has the right to feel and be safe, welcome, included and heard.

We will make sure our staff, volunteers and contractors know and do what is required to keep children safe when engaged with Council services, programs, facilities and events. Learn more about how Council and the community can keep our children safe below, or visit the link most relevant to you above.

Statement of Commitment

Latrobe City Council has a zero tolerance to any form of child abuse and is committed to implementing the Child Safe Standards in order to strengthen child safety and wellbeing and empower all children and young people in our community. We will create and maintain a child safe organisation where protecting children and young people, and preventing and responding to child abuse is embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of all employees, volunteers and contractors.

Victorian Child Safe Standards

Child Safe Standard. 1	Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
Child Safe Standard. 2	Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
Child Safe Standard. 3	Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
Child Safe Standard. 4	Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
Child Safe Standard. 5	Equity is upheld, and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
Child Safe Standard. 6	People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing in values and practice.
Child Safe Standard. 7	Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
Child Safe Standard. 8	Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
Child Safe Standard. 9	Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
Child Safe Standard. 10	Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
Child Safe Standard. 11	Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people

Latrobe City Council Child Safe Policy

Child Abuse Information and Support

Types of Child Abuse:

Child abuse can include:

physical violence
sexual offences (including grooming)
serious emotional or psychological harm and
serious neglect.

Child abuse includes offences against, with or in the presence of a child and does not have to involve physical contact or force.

Abuse can be committed by a member of the community or a member of an organisation or club that care for or provide services for children. Child abuse can also occur within the family. Most abused children are abused by someone they know.

Child abuse can significantly impact upon the wellbeing and development of children and young people. It is critical that there is an immediate response to any abuse that is witnessed, any suspected abuse or any disclosure by a child or young person.

If a child or young person discloses abuse to you, it is important that you stay calm, listen and reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you. You must report the abuse.

All adults have a legal responsibility to report suspected sexual abuse against a child under 16 to Police. Some professionals in the community have extended reporting requirements known as Mandatory Reporting.

Signs of Child Abuse:

For more information about the signs and types of child abuse click here.

Links to further information can be found below:

Headspace 1800 650 890
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault 03 5134 3922
Parentline 132 289
The Orange Door 1800 319 354
Commission for Children and Young People Advisor 1300 782 978
Raising Children Network

You can also contact Council’s Child Safe Advisor on 1300 367 700 or latrobe@latrobe.vic.gov.au .

Child Safe Tools, Training and Resources for Organisations and Clubs

There are a number of organisations who provide free on-line tools, training and resources for small businesses, community, volunteer and sporting groups to support them to implement Child Safe practices and be compliant with the Victorian Child Safe Standards:

Commission for Children and Young People

Information for organisations, children and young people, parents, carers and community members.

Child Safe Organisations project (Australian Human Rights Commission)

Offers a range of practical tools for implementing child safe practices in organisations and clubs.

VicSport

Online education program to assist sporting communities and clubs to implement and understand the 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards.

National Office for Child Safety – ‘One Talk at a Time‘ campaign

Current Government initiative. A toolkit to help adults have preventative conversations about child sexual abuse with children, young people, other adults and organisations.

Feedback, Consultation and Complaints

Feedback and Consultation

Under the Victorian Child Safe Standards Council has a responsibility to involve children, young people, families and community in decisions that affect them regarding Council’s processes for keeping young people safe.

If you have specific ideas or feedback about Child Safety at Latrobe City Council please contact Council’s Child Safe Advisor on 1300 367 700 or email latrobe@latrobe.vic.gov.au .

You can also refer to Council’s Have Your Say webpage to see if there are specific child safety related activities, or consultation and engagement opportunities currently open for you to participate in.

Concerns and Complaints

If you have a concern or complaint about the conduct of a Latrobe City Council employee, volunteer, contractor or Councillor towards a child or young person you can find further information on how to make a complaint here. All complaints will be treated seriously and confidentially, and in accordance with the Reportable Conduct Scheme.

Reporting Child Abuse and Harm

For immediate danger to a child or a young person contact Victoria Police on 000.

Everyone in our community has a responsibility to keep children and young people safe from harm, provide them with a safe environment and report any reasonable belief of abuse.

Other reporting and support options include:

Child Protection (Southern Division) on 1300 555 526

Where no immediate danger is present, but you have concerns that a child is at risk of significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect.

If outside of 8:45 am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday, call the AH response unit on 13 12 78.

The Orange Door (Morwell) on 1800 319 354

For information on or access to women’s and children’s family violence services, child and family services, Aboriginal services and men’s family violence services.

The Orange Door is open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday (closed public holidays).

Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700 or latrobe@latrobe.vic.gov.au

If you have a complaint about the conduct of a Latrobe City Council employee, volunteer, contractor or Councillor about conduct towards a child or young person visit the complaints section on this site.

Child

Young Person

Parent or Carer

Community Group / Organisation