Child Safe Standards

Child Safe Standards

The Children’s Guardian Amendment (Child Safe Scheme) Bill 2021 introduced 10 Child Safe Standards to create safer environments and organisations.

1. Child safety is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
2. Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
3. Families and communities are informed and involved
4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account
5. People working with children are suitable and supported
6. Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child focused
7. Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training
8. Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur
9. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved
10. Policies and procedures, document how the organisation is child safe

Actions to Help Implement Child Safe Standards for Your Club

• Electing or appointing a nominated Child Safe Officer(s) or MPIO
• Conduct an annual Office of Children's Guardian self-assessment - great resource to start and to continue improvement.
• Ensure all volunteers and officials 18 years and older complete the NRL Patrons of the Game Child Safety Course. 
• Endorsing and upholding the NSW Rugby League Child Safe Commitment Statement at Club/League meetings.
• Endorse and uphold the Child Safe Code of Behaviour.
• Ensure your club is registered as an employer with the Office of the Children's Guardian and carry out verification on all volunteers and officials working with children.
• Note Child Safe education and WWCC employer status is part of Service NSW requirements for Active Kids providers.
• Liaise with children at your club. Find out if they feel safe and what you can do to make them feel safer? - One way could be a short online survey for parents and children to complete.
• Club/League Association executive complete the Child Safe Sport eLearning modules.

Useful Links/Resources

NSWRL Child Safe Commitment Statement - Audio

NSWRL Child Safe Standard Posters

Complete the Child Safe Sport eLearning modules

Play by the Rules - Child Protection and Safeguarding Course

eSafety Training for Sports Organisations and Clubs