Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate Beyond Blue’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children.
It informs all employees (including contractors) and volunteers of their obligations to act ethically towards children and their roles and responsibilities in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children.
It gives guidance on the processes and procedures that aim to ensure children’s safety and wellbeing across all areas of the organisation’s work.
This policy applies to all employees (including contractors) and volunteers whether or not they work in direct contact with children.
Third parties engaged by Beyond Blue are also required to comply with the Child Safe Standards, if applicable by law to their operations, as part of their contractual agreement with Beyond Blue.
At Beyond Blue, we are committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children, including First Nations children, children with disabilities, from cultural and language diverse backgrounds and children that are gender diverse.
Across our work, we endeavour to create environments where all children can feel, and be, safe and welcomed, and where their participation is valued.
We have zero tolerance for any form of child abuse and will embed and enact processes to respond to incidents.
We demonstrate this commitment by the following actions:
Safeguarding children is a shared responsibility within our organisation. It is the responsibility of all employees and volunteers to create and maintain a child safe culture. Specific responsibilities for each role are outlined in the table below.
Employees and volunteers must report any child harm or abuse concerns to privacy@beyondblue.org.au or their manager.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report any child harm or abuse concerns involving Beyond Blue, its employees or volunteers, to privacy@beyondblue.org.au.
All reports will be:
Beyond Blue will keep information about complaints confidential, except where it is necessary to share information to respond properly to a complaint or to prioritise child safety.
All adults in Victoria who have a reasonable belief that an adult has committed a sexual offence against a child under 16 have an obligation to report that information to Victoria Police unless they have a reasonable excuse. Failure to do so is a criminal offence. Further information can be found here.
Factors contributing to reasonable belief may include:
Mandatory reporting rules differ around Australia. For matters outside Victoria, please contact privacy@beyondblue.org.au for further guidance.
A person below the age of 18 years
In this Policy, contact means physical contact, face-to-face contact, written communication, oral communication, or electronic communication.
Refers to any behaviour or treatment that results in the actual and/or likelihood of causing physical or emotional harm to a child or young person.
The Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy will be reviewed every two years.
Depending on the circumstances, non-compliance with this Policy may constitute a breach of employment or contractual obligations. Those who fail to comply with this Policy may face disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or volunteer status.
As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.
First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.
Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.
Premier partners
