Our Commitment

Georges River Council is committed to putting children first and championing child safety within our community.

We actively advocate for the rights of children and young people, upholding our commitment as a child safe organisation.
 

How to Report Child Protection Concerns

If a child is in immediate danger call the Police on 000 (triple zero).

If you think a child or young person is at risk of harm from abuse or neglect, contact the Child Protection Helpline by phoning 132 111.

When making a report to the Child Protection Helpline (ph 132 111), it’s important to remember:

• You don’t have to prove that abuse has taken place.
• You only need reasonable grounds for your belief.
• You don’t need permission form parents or caregivers to make a report; nor do they need to be informed that a report is being made.
• Your identity will remain confidential unless you need to give evidence if the matter goes to court.

What are the National Principles?

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse outlined a number of recommendations to make organisations across Australia safer for children and young people. The National Principles provide a framework for organisations to measure and improve their child-safe practices and culture.
 

The 10 National Principles

1.	Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
2.	Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
3.	Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
4.	Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
5.	People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
6.	Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child focused.
7.	Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
8.	Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
9.	Implementation of the national child safe principles is regularly reviewed and improved.
10.	Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

For further information, visit the Office of the Childrens Guardian website. You can also view the video below.