Child safety

Children and young people have a right to feel safe.

Children and young people have a right to feel safe. We all have an obligation to keep every child safe from harm and abuse. Explore this section for resources about protecting every young person.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger call 000.

Contact our Child Safety department

To get in touch with someone who can help with child safety issues at City of Whittlesea, or to report a child safe issue or incident, please contact us on 03 9217 2170 and ask for one of our team members:

  • Moriah Weston, Child Safe Officer
  • Sharon Edwards, Coordinator Employee Relations
  • Dario Cecala, Unit Manager Human Resources
  • Agata Chmielewski, Director Community Wellbeing

Our commitment to child safety

At the City of Whittlesea, we work to ensure we have a child safe and friendly environment where children and young people are respected, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.

We recognise that we all play an important role in protecting children. We aim to create a culture of child safety that reduces the opportunity for harm and have clear and robust processes to follow when someone raises concerns about child safety or reports abuse. 

For more information, see our Child Safe Commitment Statement on our Child Safe Policy page.

Helpful support services

There are many services for survivors of abuse, as well as those concerned about others. Some of them are listed below.

Please reach out to these organisations for confidential assistance and support.

You can find more resources and service links throughout our child safety section. 

  • Blue Knot Foundation empowers recovery and builds resilience for adults affected by complex trauma. Contact them Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm on 1300 657 380. 
  • Commission for Children and Young People promotes policies and practices that affect the safety and wellbeing of Victorian children and young people. Contact them Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 03 8601 5884.
  • Kids Helpline provides free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged five to 25. You can speak to them over the phone on 1800 551 800 or online via live chat.
  • knowmore provides free legal advice and support to survivors of child sexual abuse. This service includes specialised services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including Stolen Generation survivors, and young people who are leaving care. Contact them Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 1800 605 762.
  • Lifeline provides a free, 24 hour phone service. Call 131 114.
  • National Redress Scheme provides support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse. Call 1800 737 377.
  • QLife provides anonymous, LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral. This national service is for anyone wanting to talk issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Call 1800 184 527 every day from 3pm–midnight. Web chat is also available.
  • SAMSN (Survivors & Mates Support Network)supports male survivors of child sexual abuse. Call 1800 472 676.
  • 13YARN provides 24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Call 13 92 76.

 

Child Safe Policy

As a child safe organisation, we are committed to providing welcoming, safe and accessible environments for all children children. Our Child Safe Policy guides this commitment.

Child Safe Standards

Victorian organisations that provide services or facilities to children, including us, are legally required to implement Child Safe Standards to protect children from harm and ensure safety in all settings.

Information for organisations

Every organisation has an obligation to keep all children safe from harm and abuse. In this section you will find a range of resources to help your organisation protect children and young people.

Reporting child abuse

We all have role to play in keeping children and young people safe from harm and abuse. If you suspect or know of a child or young person being abused, you must report it.

Resources for children and young people

Worried about something that's happening to you, a friend or a sibling? Need information about an issue that's on your mind? There are loads of resources, information and support to help you.

Resources for parents and carers

As a parent or carer, it's important to ensure the activities and programs your child participates in are safe. Explore trusted resources to help you make informed decisions and protect your child.

Reportable Conduct Scheme

The Reportable Conduct Scheme aims to improve how organisations respond to allegations of misconduct involving children. Learn about the types of conduct covered and the responsibilities of organisations.

Family violence support service information

Family violence is illegal and never the victim's fault. Get information and support services for yourself or others experiencing family violence to ensure safety and wellbeing.

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