Our Commitment
The City of Melbourne is committed to being a child safe organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse. All children and young people are valued members of our community and have the right to be and feel safe.
We are committed to embedding child safety into the everyday thinking and practice of all employees, volunteers and contractors.
We embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. All children and young people, regardless of their age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious beliefs, ability, family or social backgrounds have equal rights to protection from abuse.
We acknowledge and respect the unique histories of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child, young people and their families. We have zero tolerance for racism and actively promote cultural respect and support cultural safety.
We commit to listening to and respecting the views of all children and young people.
Read our Commitment Statement
Child Safety Policy
Access our Child Safety Policy to understand how we are embedding child safety into our work.
The Child Safe Standards
Child Safe Standards (CCYP) External linkare a set of eleven standards that aim to create and maintain safe environments for children and young people. The City of Melbourne must comply with the Standards. The Commission for Children and Young People External link are our regulator for the Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
Report child safety concerns
If a child or young person is in immediate danger call the police on 000 (Triple Zero). If you believe a child or young person is in need of protection, contact Child Protection West Division 1300 360 462 (business hours) or 13 12 78 (after hours).
You can report any child safety concerns or complaints to the City of Melbourne including:
- Disclosures of abuse and harm
- Allegation, suspicion or observation of abuse and harm
- General safety concerns about the safety of children or young people
- Concerns about a City of Melbourne employee, councillor, volunteer, student on placement or contractor’s behaviour towards a child or young person.
- On-line or physical safety issues in City of Melbourne’s programs, services, events or facilities that could increase the likelihood of abuse occurring.
Speaker 1
Keeping children and young people safe is everyone's responsibility. Here at Council, we need to ensure everyone who works or partners with us or uses our facilities, including community groups, sporting clubs, hirers, contractors, suppliers, know what this means.
This includes the four R's of child safety.
The first R is role. Everyone has a role in keeping children and young people safe, no matter if you work directly with children or not.
Recognise. Do you know what child abuse looks like? There are different types of abuse, including family violence, grooming, neglect, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse.
Respond. Assess immediate dangers, stay calm, listen and follow policies and procedures when responding to an incident, disclosure or observation.
Report. Anyone can report breaches of an organisation's child safety policies and code of conduct. Always keep a record of reports. If you form a reasonable belief that a child or young person is at risk or in need of protection, report it to either Victoria Police, Child Protection, or The Orange Door. Remember, child abuse happens in secret, so when we report it, we give that child or young person a voice. Do something with the information you have, because keeping children and young people safe is everyone's responsibility.
Any concerns you report will be taken seriously
You can:
- Tell a Council Officer
- Contact the City of Melbourne on 9658 9658
- Write a letter and send to GPO Box 1603, Melbourne 3001
- Report online: Make a complaint - City of Melbourne External link
Report your concerns as a child or young person
You can tell us if you feel unsafe or if you are worried that one of your friends is unsafe. As well as telling us you can also go to your local police station to make a report or call 000.
Speaker 1 0:00
You have the right to be safe. If you ever feel unsafe or unhappy at a council service, program, event or place, you can make a complaint. To make a complaint, think about why you are unhappy or felt unsafe and what you want to say. You may want to write some notes before you contact Council. You can make a complaint online, over the phone, or talk face to face with a council staff member.
What happens next?
- The incident will be investigated.
- Support will be provided to the child, young person and family.
- Risk controls may be put in place to prevent recurrent incidents.
- Policies and procedures will be reviewed and updated if necessary.
- For incidents involving a City of Melbourne employee, volunteer, student on placement or contractor, reports may be made to the Police and/or regulatory bodies. Disciplinary action will be taken if necessary.
Information sharing with other organisations
Where necessary, we share information with other government agencies and organisations.
Getting help and support
Kids Helpline External link
Call 1800 55 1800
This is a free 24/7 private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years.
Headspace External link
Call 1800 650 890
Headspace provides free and confidential mental health supports to young people aged 12 to 25 years.
Resources
Online safety | eSafety Commissioner External link
What to look for in a child safe organisation External link
Teach your child to keep safe poster External link
