Prevention and culture
Child Safe Standards
Child Safe Standards help organisations build cultures where children are listened to, protected and safe from harm. We help organisations across Queensland and Australia understand the standards, close gaps and embed child safety into everyday practice.
What are Child Safe Standards?
Child Safe Standards are a framework of policies, procedures and cultural practices designed to keep children safe in organisations that work with them. They cover leadership, governance, risk management, recruitment, reporting, training and the involvement of children and families.
In Australia, the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations set out the common expectations for all organisations that engage with children. States and territories, including Queensland, have built on these principles to create their own compliance and guidance frameworks.
The National Principles
The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations include ten child-safe standards developed by the Australian Government and endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments. They are:
- Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
- Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
- Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
- Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account.
- People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
- Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child focused.
- Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe.
- Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
- Implementation of the National Child Safe Principles is regularly reviewed and improved.
- Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
Who must comply?
Organisations that work with children are expected to comply with the relevant Child Safe Standards. These include:
- Schools and early childhood education and care services
- Disability service providers
- Out-of-home care and residential care providers
- Health and allied health services
- Religious organisations and youth groups
- Sporting clubs, recreation groups and arts organisations
- Community services and not-for-profits
In some states and sectors, compliance is mandatory and monitored by regulators, funding bodies or auditors. Even where it is not strictly mandated, adopting Child Safe Standards is widely expected and can be required by insurance, grants or partnerships.
Child Safe Standards in Queensland
Queensland has committed to the National Principles and expects funded and regulated organisations to embed them. Key drivers include:
- Queensland Government funding agreements — many require funded organisations to demonstrate child-safe practice.
- Blue Card system — working with children checks are one part of a broader child-safe environment.
- Child Protection Act 1999 — outlines mandatory reporting and child protection obligations for relevant workers.
- Office of the Public Guardian and regulators — monitor safeguarding in out-of-home care, disability and youth justice settings.
While Queensland does not yet have a standalone reportable conduct scheme, organisations must still respond to concerns, report where required, and show they are taking reasonable steps to keep children safe.
How we help organisations implement the standards
Paventia Partners works with organisations to translate Child Safe Standards from paper into practice. Our support includes:
- Gap assessments against the National Principles and state-specific requirements
- Child safety and safeguarding policies, procedures and codes of conduct
- Recruitment and screening guidance, including working with children checks
- Complaint and reportable conduct response processes
- Training and capability building for boards, leaders, staff and volunteers
- Independent investigations when concerns arise
We tailor every engagement to your sector, size and risk profile, giving you practical tools that fit into the way your organisation already works.
Ready to strengthen your child-safe practices?
Talk to Paventia Partners about a child safety gap assessment, policy review or tailored training program for your organisation.