Child Safety at GOTAFE
At GOTAFE we have a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and neglect, and we recognise that all children and young people have a right to be kept safe from harm. We adhere to the eleven Victorian child safe standards.
Access the standardsFostering a safe culture
GOTAFE is committed to fostering a culture where all employees, students, contractors, visitors, children, young people, and their families feel able to raise child safeguarding concerns.
We will take all allegations of abuse against a child seriously and will report all allegations to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Child-safe guiding principles
As guided by our Child Safety Policy, we are committed to, and will uphold the following principles:
- Preventing child abuse: identifying child abuse risks early, removing and reducing these risks and adhering to relevant legislation.
- Zero-tolerance of child abuse: all allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously, in a consistent manner and expeditiously addressed.
- Reporting suspected child abuse: contacting authorities about a child or young person’s safety.
- Child and student engagement: children, young people and students are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
- Protecting equity and diversity: children and young people feel safe and are listened to and respected regardless of their abilities, sex, gender, sexual orientation religion, cultural or economic background. The diverse and unique identities of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
- Safety, participation and empowerment: employees and students, including children and young people, are aware of child safety practices and have access to raise concerns about abuse or misconduct. Students are supported to raise concerns through GOTAFE’s student support services, and all staff receive relevant training and support to enable them to do so.
- Physical and online environments: promotion of safety, cybersecurity and wellbeing while minimizing the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
- Family Engagement: importance of family engagement including informed and involved participation in the promotion of Child Safety
- Training and educating: employees receive training and support, proportionate to their role, to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide children and young people with safe learning environments; understand the responsibilities and boundaries of their roles; and respond to any child safety concerns.
- Continuous improvement: regularly reviewing and removing any systemic issues which may be contributing to, or hindering, GOTAFE from being safe, or providing a safe environment.