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
GOTAFE is committed to, and will uphold the following principles in applying this Policy:
- Preventing child abuse: Risk is identified and managed through a register, to mitigate and monitor actions and concerns.
- Zero-tolerance of child abuse: All allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously, in a consistent and respectful manner that is timely and appropriate
- Reporting suspected child abuse: Children and Young People will be treated with respect and believed through their reporting unsafe experiences at GO TAFE. Reporting of incidents and concerns will be confidential, transparent, timely and appropriate.
- Child and student engagement: Children, young people and students are provided with information & support to enable them to be empowered about their rights and participate in decisions affecting them. The importance of friends and peers is recognised as a key source of support and information for young people to help them feel safe and be less isolated, and this connection will be encouraged
- Protecting equity and diversity: Children and young people feel safe and are listened to. They are respected and their diverse abilities, sex, gender, sexual orientation religion, cultural or economic background are valued and celebrated.
- Aboriginal Children and Young People: The cultural identity of Aboriginal children and young people are supported & valued and their culture is respected and actively encouraged
- 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.
- Physical and online environments: Children and young people will be supported to understand risk through the promotion of safety, cybersecurity and wellbeing information & resources
- Family Engagement: Importance of family engagement including informed and involved participation in the promotion of Child Safety is recognised and supported as appropriate
- 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 appropriately to any child safety concerns.
- Child Safe Officers: Will be appointed to enable a trained, appropriate and supportive response to staff, children and young people who have a concern regarding child safety at GOTAFE.
