Child safe standards

Very Special Kids is a Child Safe Organisation. We are committed to ensuring the safety of all children in our care and have a zero tolerance for child abuse and discrimination.

Statement of commitment

• We advocate for the rights of children and young people who have contact with Very Special Kids so that they feel heard on matters that are important to them and are relevant to their safety so that they feel safe and protected.
• We will actively work to listen to and empower children and young people who encounter our organisation, which includes involving our Children’s and Youth Advisory Groups in consultation about organisational decisions.
• We have zero tolerance for child abuse or harm and will take all allegations of suspected child abuse and child safety concerns very seriously, ensuring such conduct is dealt with consistently in accordance with our policies, procedures, and the law.
• Very Special Kids works to identify child safety risks early and reduce and remove these risks and is committed to the prevention of child abuse within our organisation, services and activities.
• We acknowledge and will comply with our legal obligations to contact authorities whenever there are reportable concerns about a child or young person’s safety.
• We are committed to embracing diversity and will not accept any type of discrimination or racist actions/language.
• We strive to provide a culturally safe environment for First Nations children and young people and those from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, by responding to their needs and considering their requests so they feel they are in a safe environment.
• We will provide a safe environment for, and consider the needs of, children and young people with a disability, and consider their requests for what is required for them to feel they are in a safe environment.
• We will provide a safe environment for, and consider the needs of, children and young people who have suffered trauma, and consider their needs in providing that safe environment.
• We will provide a safe environment for, and consider the needs of, LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse children and young people.
• We maintain robust and inclusive human resources and recruitment practices for all staff and volunteers.
• We will provide Child Safe Standards training and education to staff and volunteers.
• We require all staff and volunteers to uphold these commitments and have policies, procedures, and training in place to achieve these commitments.

Our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and our Child Safety Code of Conduct outline our Commitment to child safety and the expectations we have for staff and volunteers when working with children and young people.

Every person involved in Very Special Kids has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.