Yarra Ranges Council staff and volunteers are now better equipped to protect children in the event of abuse, according to mayor, Cr Noel Cliff.
At its 27 June meeting, council endorsed the Safeguarding Children Policy, which aims to not only protect children, but to identify potential signs of abuse and better facilitate connections with support services.
Yarra Ranges Council developed the policy in response to the Child Safe Standards, which was introduced in late 2015 as a result of the Government’s ‘Betrayal of Trust’ Inquiry into the Handling of Abuse by Religious and other Non-Government Organisations.
Cr Cliff said the policy helped staff and volunteers to understand their responsibilities.
“By formally adopting this policy, we can continue to improve the work we do and create a safer and more inclusive environment for children, and create the potential for a reduction in child abuse in the Yarra Ranges in the long term,” Cr Cliff said.
“The policy provides clear guidelines around acceptable and unacceptable behaviours for staff working around children and their families, in addition to those outlined in council’s corporate code of conduct.
“All council employees have a responsibility to understand what their role is in looking after the safety and well-being of children when undertaking their work.
“We will be training staff to ensure everyone is up-to-date and informed about this policy.”
Council has established numerous designated child safety officers (DCSOs) across the organisation, whose role will be to provide advice and support to any areas of the organisation which has identified suspected child abuse.
The DSCOs will also play a significant role in future governance arrangements to ensure council continues to monitor and continuously improve how it maximises child safety.
To read the policy in full, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
