Child Safety & Protection
We are committed to child safety and to creating a child safe organisation where protecting children from harm and neglect is embedded in the thinking and practice of all employees, volunteers and contractors.
Reporting child abuse
If you suspect a child has been abused, is at risk of being abused or that a person is engaging in inappropriate behaviours with a child, you have a responsibility to make a report.
Reporting immediate danger
The safety of children and young people is everyone’s responsibility. If a child is in immediate danger call the police on 000 (triple zero).
For immediate concerns and to report abuse, contact the Police on 000 and/or Child Protection North Division Intake on 1300 664 977 or 13 12 78 after hours.
If this behaviour relates directly to a Council staff member please contact Council's Early Years Coordinator who acts as our Child Safety Officer on 5018 8100.
You can also make a report directly to the Commission for Children and Young People about any other person of concern (including Council staff) online at https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/contact-us/ or the following numbers:
Phone: 1300 78 29 78 (Answered 9.00am–5.00pm, local call from landline)
Fax: (03) 8601 5877
Email: contact@ccyp.vic.gov.au
Child Protection Crisis Line on 13 12 78
The reporting process
Who can make a report?
Anyone can report – child, young person, parent, carer, Councillor, employee, volunteer, contractor or others in the community.
What to report?
Any concern or complaint, in regard to:
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The conduct of a child or young person at a Council service, program or event.
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General concerns about the safety of a group of children or young people at a Council service, program or event.
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A Council service, program or event.
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The way a prior concern was handled.
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Any allegation of abuse, harm or neglect of a child or young person by an employee, Councillor, contractor or volunteer Disclosures of abuse, harm or neglect made by a child/young person who attends a Council service, program or event.
Before making a Report in regard to abuse, harm or neglect, it is important you have formed a reasonable belief. A person forms a ‘reasonable belief’ that a child is in need of protection, or their safety or wellbeing is at risk when:
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A reasonable person in the same position would have formed the belief on the same grounds. It does not require proof.
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The belief is formed through disclosures, observations or other information of which you have become aware.
How do I make a report?
If a child is in immediate danger call the police on 000 (triple zero).
For immediate concerns and to report abuse, harm or neglect:
For immediate concerns and to report abuse, contact the Police on 000 and/or Child Protection North Division Intake on 1300 664 977 or 13 12 78 after hours.
For a concern or complaint in regard to a Council service, program or event:
Council’s Complaints Handling Policy will be followed.
For a complaint or allegation concerning abuse, harm or neglect of a child/young person (17 years of age and under) by a Council employee, Councillor, contractor or volunteer:
Contact Council’s Early Years Coordinator who acts as our Child Safety Officer on 5018 8100.
You can also make a report directly to the Commission for Children and Young People about any other person of concern (including Council staff) online at https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/contact-us/ or via the contact details above.
What happens next?
The Internal Response Team will:
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Determine, in accordance with legal requirements and duty of care, whether the matter should/must be reported to Police, Child Protection and/or the Commission for Children and Young People and make a report as soon as possible if required.
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Initiate internal processes to ensure the safety of all children/young people including the alleged victim, clarify the nature of the complaint and commence disciplinary process and investigation (if required).
If an investigation is deemed appropriate it will be undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation and Council policies:
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Once an investigation is completed, the relevant employee, Councillor, contractor, volunteer, parent/s, carer/s and child/young person will be notified of outcome of investigation.
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If necessary, disciplinary action will be taken with relevant employee, Councillor, contractor or volunteer.
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Policies and procedures reviewed and updated where necessary.
Our Child Safe Standards
Council will implement and maintain the Child Safe Standards as listed below:
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.
Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
Children and young people are empowered 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 respected in policy and practice.
People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.
Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
Statement of Commitment
Council makes the following Statement of Commitment in relation to child safety:
Mildura Rural City Council is committed to child safety. We want children to be safe, happy and empowered. We support and respect all children, as well as our employees and volunteers.
We are committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children.
We have zero tolerance of child abuse, and all allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously and consistently with our robust policies and procedures.
We have legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously.
Mildura Rural City Council is committed to preventing child abuse and identifying risks early, and removing and reducing these risks.
Mildura Rural City Council has robust human resources and recruitment practices for all employees and volunteers.
We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and in providing a safe environment for children with disability.
We have specific policies, procedures and training in place that support our leadership team, employees and volunteers to achieve these commitments.
If you believe a child is at immediate risk of abuse phone 000.