Victoria has introduced compulsory minimum standards for organisations that provide services for children to help protect them from abuse

In 2016, Ministerial Order 870 was introduced and outlines the Child Safe standards that all organisations working with children in Victoria must comply with. The purpose of these child-safe standards is to ensure that child safety is an organisational priority in Victorian organisations involved in child-connected work.

On 1 July 2022 new Victorian Child Safe Standards and Ministerial Order No. 1359 (MO 1359), Implementing the Child Safe Standards – Managing the risk of child abuse in schools and school boarding premises, came into effect. MO 1359 provides a framework for how schools can action the 11 new Victorian Child Safe Standards.

At Sacred Heart College Kyneton, we believe that all students have the right to feel safe. Our systems and structures support our College Community and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our students. The College has a robust Pastoral structure, comprising Homeroom Teacher, Year Level Leader, Deputy Principal, Principal and College Counsellors. While Homeroom Teachers and Year Level Leaders would be the first contact for issues surrounding bullying or other distressing situations, all of these people may be contacted if required. 

Information Sheet - Feeling Safe: For Secondary School Students

Child Safe Officers

The College has two Child Safe Officers, Ms Haley Galloway and Ms Alicia Nalesnyik, as the nominated College contacts for issues of abuse. They may be contacted at the College via phone or email: childsafe@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au or the concern may be logged through the Wellbeing Referral process, on the Student Wellbeing page in the Life at Sacred Heart section of the website. 

Child Safe Committee

The College also has a Child Safe Committee, whose role it is to review policies and procedures for reporting allegations of abuse, environmental issues relating to safety and monitoring the promotion of Child Safe updates and information to the College Community.

The 11 Child Safe Standards

The new Child Safe Standards came into force in Victoria on 1 July 2022.

Standard 1 - Culturally Safe Environments  

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.      

Standard 2 - Leadership, Governance & Culture

Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.   

Standard 3 -Child & Student Empowerment

Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

Standard 4 -Family Engagement

Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Standard 5 -Diversity & Equity

Ensure that equity is upheld, and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.

Standard 6 - Suitable Staff & Volunteers

Ensure that people working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.

Standard 7 - Complaints Processes

Ensure that processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.

Standard 8 - Child Safety Knowledge, Skills & Awareness

Ensure that staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.

Standard 9 - Child Safety in Physical & Online Environments

Ensure that physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children, young people and students to be harmed.

Standard 10 - Review of Child Safety Practices

Ensure that implementation of the Child Safe Standards (including Ministerial Order No. 1359) is regularly reviewed and improved.

Standard 11 - Implementation of Child Safety Practices

Have policies and procedures document how schools and school boarding premises are safe for children, young people and students.

Child Safety Policies

The College policies based on Child Safe are:

Child Safety Policy

Child Safety Code of Conduct

Child Protection Reporting Obligations Policy