• Section 1 - Purpose
• Section 2 - Scope
• Section 3 - Policy
• Policy Statement
• Policy Principles
• Policy topics
• VCSS standards:
• Section 4 - Responsibility and Accountability
• Section 5 - Supporting Documents and Templates
• Section 6 - Definitions

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate Melbourne Polytechnic’s commitment to provide a safe environment which ensures the care, safety and wellbeing of all children and young people, and that protects them from all forms of harm and abuse. This includes children and young people who identify as having a disability, those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, gender diverse, and those whose who identify as a member of the LGBTIQ+ community.

Section 2 - Scope

(2) This policy applies to:

1. All Melbourne Polytechnic staff (permanent and casual)
2. Volunteers
3. Contractors and Subcontractors
4. Consultants
5. Students and their families
6. Visitors to Melbourne Polytechnic.

Section 3 - Policy

Policy Statement

(3) Melbourne Polytechnic has students aged under 18 years, has childcare centres located on campus and hosts visiting children and young people. Melbourne Polytechnic aims to establish and maintain a child safe organisation where children and young people feel safe, valued, respected, encouraged and empowered to reach their full potential.

(4) Melbourne Polytechnic hosts visiting children and young people. The organisation delivers training at the Epping and Greensborough campuses within the technical school programs.

(5) Melbourne Polytechnic is committed to promoting a safe environment for staff and students. All children and young people at Melbourne Polytechnic have the right to feel safe and be safe. The wellbeing of children and young people enrolled at or visiting the institute will be our first priority and child abuse of any nature will not be tolerated. We ensure all children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with a disability are safeguarded.

Policy Principles

(6) Melbourne Polytechnic is an organisation where children and young people feel safe, valued, respected, encouraged and empowered to reach their full potential. The organisation acknowledges the Victorian State mandatory reporting obligations and associated legislation. Policies and procedures that support compliance with the Child Safe Standards 2022 are in place. This policy will be guided by the following principles, standards, acts and legislation

(7) This policy statement is guided by the following values and principles, which underpin our commitment to child safety:

1. Melbourne Polytechnic has zero tolerance of child abuse.
2. All children and young people deserve, as a fundamental right, safety and protection from all forms of abuse.
3. All staff including volunteers and contractors have a responsibility to care for children and young people and positively promote their wellbeing to protect them from any kind of harm or abuse.
4. Melbourne Polytechnic staff will be provided with appropriate information and training on the Child Safe Standards.
5. Melbourne Polytechnic has robust human resources and recruitment practices to reduce the risk of child abuse by new and existing staff.

(8) Legislation:

1. Child Safe Standards 2022
2. Children, Youth and Families Act 2005
3. Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005
4. Worker Screening Act 2020
5. Crimes Amendment (Grooming) Act 2014
6. Crimes Amendment (Protection of Children) Act 2014
7. Children Legislation Amendment (Reportable Conduct) Act 2017
8. Wrongs Amendment (Organisational Child Abuse) Act 2017

Policy topics

VCSS standards:

Cultural Safety

(9) Melbourne Polytechnic has a moral and legal responsibility to create a nurturing environment where all children and young people including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and children with a disability are respected, their voices heard, they feel safe and are safe.

(10) Melbourne Polytechnic provides a Koorie Services Centre, Koorie Liaison and Support Officers, mentors, cultural programs and celebrations to support the safety, wellbeing participation and inclusion of Indigenous children and young people Koorie Support Services.

(11) The Student Wellbeing Adviser and Counsellors provide students with pastoral care and appropriate support assessed on an individual basis.

Leadership and Governance

(12) Executive Director People Culture and Corporate Services will provide supervision, training, screening and other robust staff recruitment processes that minimise the risk of child abuse.

1. Child Safety Officers will facilitate training and provide information and advice to staff and students on mandatory reporting requirements.
2. The Manager Student Services will provide children with access to tailored supports and services.
3. All staff must comply with the Child Safety Standards and requirements to respond to incidents, disclosures and suspicions of child abuse.

Empowerment, Rights and Decision-making

(13) Melbourne Polytechnic commits to ensuring all children and young people will be informed and aware of the process to report any concerns of abuse

1. The organisation listens to all children and young people and empowers them by taking their views seriously and addressing any concerns that they raise. Any misconduct towards children and young people will be dealt with in accordance with the Code of Conduct and referred to the police where appropriate.
2. Melbourne Polytechnic commits to teaching children and young people the necessary skills and knowledge to understand and maintain their personal safety and wellbeing.

Promotion of Child Safety

(14) Melbourne Polytechnic has a published commitment statement to child safety which is available on the Student Portal and external website.

1. Melbourne Polytechnic staff will engage with, and listen to, the views of parents and carers about our child-safety practices, policies and procedures.

Equity and Diversity

(15) Melbourne Polytechnic acknowledges the cultural diversity of all children and young people and is sensitive to how this may affect student safety issues. It recognises gender diversity in providing a safe environment and consider these needs in creating that environment.

1. The organisation pays particular attention to the needs of children and young people with a disability, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as non-binary and gender diverse individuals, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer/questioning.
2. The Feedback and Complaints procedure (see 7.0) is outlined in simple language to ensure equity and accessibility of service. The process works in-line with organisational confidentiality requirements.

People and Culture

(16) Melbourne Polytechnic will ensure all new and continuing staff are aware of their responsibilities to comply with the Melbourne Polytechnic’s Code of Conduct, Child Safe Standards and associated legal reporting requirements. We commit to listening to all concerns voiced by Melbourne Polytechnic employees, volunteers and contractors about keeping all children and young people safe from harm. Melbourne Polytechnic will provide additional information and supports to staff responsible for programs where there are high numbers of students that are children or young people.

(17) Positions that may have contact with children and young people due to their working environment are to be assessed as to whether a Working with Children Check is required to minimise the risk of harm to children and young people.

(18) Melbourne Polytechnic has a robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff, contractors and volunteers in contact with children, including:

1. Recruitment is based on the selection criteria and clearly demonstrates the organisations commitment to child safety to ensure the most appropriate staff are employed. Selection policies and guidelines, including pre-screening activities, reflect an understanding of, and commitment to, a child safe environment.
2. All people engaged in child-related work as defined in the Working with Children Act 2005, including volunteers, are required to hold a Working with Children Check (WWC) and to provide evidence that the WWC Check is valid at all times whilst employed by the department.

Complaints Process

(19) Melbourne Polytechnic has a structured complaint handling process that can be accessed via an online Feedback and Complaints form on the student portal and public-facing website. Complaints can also be submitted via email, or with support of our Student Complaints Liaison Officer and/or Student Hub staff.

(20) Melbourne Polytechnic takes complaints seriously and engages with external investigators who operates under a strict timeframe to ensure a non-biased and equitable resolution of complaints.

(21) Ongoing and refresher training is provided to relevant staff.

Employee Skills and Knowledge

(22) All staff working with children and young people are provided with appropriate training in accordance with the Child Safety requirements.

(23) Ongoing and refresher training is provided to relevant staff.

Physical and Online Environments

(24) Melbourne Polytechnic commits to the safety of children and young people on campus by providing facilities that ensure physical safety and promote wellbeing.

1. Melbourne Polytechnic acknowledges the cultural diversity of all children and young people and being sensitive to how this may affect student safety issues.
2. Online safety

(25) Melbourne Polytechnic acknowledges that the online world provides everyone with many opportunities; however it can also present risks and challenges. The organisation will support the online safety of children and young people by:

1. Building children and young people’s awareness of cybersecurity and online safety through induction and learning modules
2. Having in place clear and robust procedures to enable us to respond appropriately to any incidents of inappropriate online behaviour, whether by an adult or a child or young person
3. Reviewing and updating the security of our information systems regularly.

Implementation and Review

(26) Melbourne Polytechnic commits to continuously reviewing and improving our systems to protect children and young people from all types of abuse.

(27) Melbourne Polytechnic has designated child safety officers, who will support and assist students who have complaints and assist staff with understanding their reporting obligations and the process.

(28) Responsibility and accountability is with the Child Safety Officers, who conduct quarterly meetings with specially trained staff to provide feedback, review and implement changes, as needed.

Policy and Procedure

(29) Child Safe Standards are reflected in the organisation’s policy and procedures, are accessible to staff, and form part of employee induction.

(30) Reporting procedures are easy to understand and the roles and responsibilities of leadership clearly defined and promoted within the organisation.

Identifying Child Abuse

(31) Students (and their families), staff, volunteers, contractors or visitors to Melbourne Polytechnic may have reasonable grounds for believing a child or young person who comes to the attention of a member of Melbourne Polytechnic community in the course of their employment, study, research or other connection to the institute, needs protection, including in any of the following circumstances:

1. Where there are reasonable concerns about harm to a child.
2. Physical abuse of, or non-accidental or unexplained injury to, a child.
3. A disclosure of sexual abuse by a child or witness, or a combination of factors suggesting the likelihood of sexual abuse, such as the child exhibiting concerning behaviours.
4. Emotional or psychological abuse and ill treatment of a child impacting on the child's stability and healthy development.
5. Persistent neglect, poor care or lack of appropriate supervision where there is a likelihood of significant harm to the child, or the child's stability and development.
6. Persistent family violence or parental substance misuse, psychiatric illness or intellectual disability where there is a likelihood of significant harm to the child, or the child's stability and development.
7. Where a child's actions or behaviour may place them at risk of significant harm and the parents or caregivers are unwilling, or unable to protect the child.
8. Where a child appears to have been abandoned, or where the child's parents are deceased or incapacitated and no other person is caring properly for the child.
9. Grooming of a child under 16 years of age by a person aged 18 years or older.

Child Safety Reporting Requirements

(32) As a member of the Melbourne Polytechnic team all staff have an obligation under state laws to report offences of child abuse or harm. Concerns regarding suspected or actual abuse of children by a Melbourne Polytechnic must be reported promptly to the Child Safety Officer.

(33) Any abuse or misconduct towards children and young people, will be dealt with by Melbourne Polytechnic in accordance with the applicable laws and the MP Code of Conduct and referred to the police or child protection authorities as appropriate.

Failure to Disclose Requirements

(34) According to the Victorian Government requirements, all adults who have a reasonable belief that an adult (a person 18 year or older) has committed a sexual offence of a minor under the age of 16 have an obligation to report any information they have to the Victorian Police. It is a criminal offense if you do not report unless the person has reasonable circumstances for not reporting in a timely manner.

(35) The Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 requires that, where a reasonable belief exists that a child is at risk, it must be reported as soon as practicable. Reasonable belief includes any event, incident or disclosure including a child stating they have been abused.

(36) A reasonable explanation for not disclosing includes fear for your safety or the safety of another person (other than the person believed to have committed the sexual offence), or belief that the information has already been disclosed to the Victoria police and/or Child protection.

Failure to Protect Requirements

(37) This offense can apply if a person in authority at an educational institute which cares for children or young people 16 and under fails to reduce or remove any substantial risk of a child, that can become the victim of a sexual offense from someone over the age of 18 who is associated with the educational institute. A failure to protect a minor from substantial risk is a criminal offense.

(38) The organisation must take reasonable actions to ensure a child’s safety where an imminent threat or risk exists. Where a child is deemed to be at immediate risk, it is the responsibility of the organisation and mandated reporters to ensure the child’s immediate safety. This includes protecting the child from any further risk or harm by removing the alleged staff member or other adult from having further contact with the child.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

(39) The Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 imposes an obligation under Mandatory Reporting which requires registered teachers, school principals, psychologists, social workers, medical practitioners, nurses, midwives, youth or child workers (welfare/justice), and police officers to make a report to Child Protection if they form a reasonable belief that a child is need of protection from physical injury and/or sexual abuse, while acting in the course of their employment or professional duties, they reasonably form the belief that a child is in need of protection. It is a criminal offence to not comply.

(40) It is a requirement under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 that all Melbourne Polytechnic that registered teachers are mandated to report any concerns, for the wellbeing of children and young people to the appropriate authorities and the Melbourne Polytechnic Child Safety Officer.

(41) All mandated staff are required under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 to report to external authorities including Victoria Police by and Child Protection 13 12 78 as appropriate on each occasion where a reasonable belief is formed. The report must be made as soon as practical upon forming such a belief. It is the reporter’s responsibility to make the notification whether or not senior staff in the organisation support the belief. In the event that another member of staff has undertaken to make a notification, the Act requires that the mandated staff member follow through and ensure that this has been reported to authorities, the Victoria Police and/or Child Protection as per the Four Critical Actions Process: Four Critical Actions Process

Reportable Conduct Scheme Reporting Requirements

(42) Commission for Children and Young People Reportable Conduct Scheme (RCS) imposes obligations under the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 on the Head of organisations to report child abuse by any Melbourne Polytechnic staff member or volunteer to the Commission for Children and Young People.

(43) All employee’s and/or volunteers over the age of 18 years in Victoria are required to report if they become aware of any allegations of sexual offences, sexual misconduct, physical violence, and behaviour that causes significant psychological or emotional harm or significant neglect against a child to police under section 327 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). It is a criminal offence to not comply with this requirement.

(44) Concerns regarding suspected or actual abuse of children by a Melbourne Polytechnic staff or volunteers must be reported promptly to the appropriate internal personnel (Child Safety Officer or Chief Executive).

(45) Any misconduct towards children and young people, will be dealt with by Melbourne Polytechnic in accordance with the Code of Conduct and referred to the police where appropriate. Concerns regarding suspected or actual abuse of children must be reported promptly to the appropriate internal personnel (Child Safety Officer) as well as external authorities including Victoria Police by calling 000 and/or Child Protection 13 12 78 as appropriate.

Grooming Laws

(46) The Crimes Amendment (Grooming) Act 2014 introduces the offence of Grooming for sexual conduct with a child under the age of 16 years. This offence targets predatory conduct designed to facilitate later sexual activity with a child. Grooming can be conducted in person or online, for example via interaction through social media, web forums and emails.

(47) Many perpetrators of sexual offences against children purposely create relationships with victims, their families or carers in order to create a situation where abuse could occur. For this reason, parents, carers or other family members who have been targeted by perpetrators in order to gain access to a child are also victims.

(48) Grooming is a criminal offense and against the law and must be reported to Victoria Police.

Privacy Laws

(49) Students, staff and volunteers must respect confidentiality and comply with the Privacy Policy when dealing with suspected child abuse. Details of the case and the identity of the child and their family will be recorded and will only be discussed with those directly involved in the management of the child’s situation and to meet the reporting obligations set out in this policy and in the legislation. Advice may be sought from the Melbourne Polytechnic Privacy Officer.

How to Report Child Abuse Concerns

(50) Where a child is deemed to be at immediate risk on campus, Campus security should also be called, and the child protected and removed from any immediate harm.

(51) In a situation of grave and immediate life threatening risk to a child, staff, students and associates must notify police immediately by telephone on 000.

(52) If there is a risk to the immediate safety of a child (non-life-threatening), staff, students or associates should immediately telephone Child Protection in their local government area (business hours) or the Child Protection Crisis Line after hours on 13 12 78.

(53) Child Protection will only investigate if the abuse is by an adult against a child aged under 16 years. In relation to all child abuse concerns, staff, students and associates must:

1. Follow the Victorian Department of Education and Training’s Four Critical Actions (Child Safety Officers) in responding to incidents, disclosures and suspicions of child abuse.
2. Report child abuse concerns to Melbourne Polytechnic Child Safety Officer and/or seek advice on how to make an external report.
3. Report their child abuse concerns to external authorities as soon as possible.
4. Comply with all applicable mandatory and legal reporting requirements by reporting suspected child abuse matters to Child Protection and/or the Victorian Police; and
5. If the incident relates to a student, staff member or associate or arises in the course of their employment, study or other connection to the Institute contact the one of the following: Departments Executive Director Student Engagement International and Community Partnerships.
6. Complete the Melbourne Polytechnic Child Safety Report Form.

Appropriate Workplace Behaviour when Working with Children and Young People:

(54) When working with children or young people all staff and volunteers will operate within Melbourne Polytechnic’s Child Safety Policy, principles and any specific procedures at all times.

Melbourne Polytechnic’s Duty of Care to Children and Young People

(55) Melbourne Polytechnic acknowledges that it has a duty of care to take reasonable measures to protect all students from foreseeable risks and injuries and provide a safe environment for all children and young people.

(56) It recognises the need for safety and wellbeing of all children and young people within the organisation. Melbourne Polytechnic will provide all children and young people with positive and nurturing learning experiences.

(57) Melbourne Polytechnic has developed and published a commitment statement to child safety which is available on the Student Portal.

(58) Melbourne Polytechnic will take action to ensure that children and young people are protected from abuse or harm.

(59) Melbourne Polytechnic staff will engage with, and listening to, the views of parents and carers about our child-safety practices, policies and procedures.

(60) Melbourne Polytechnic acknowledges the cultural diversity of all children and young people and being sensitive to how this may affect student safety issues. It recognises gender diversity in providing a safe environment and consider their needs in providing that environment.

(61) Melbourne Polytechnic commits to continuously reviewing and improving our systems to protect children and young people from all types of abuse.

Melbourne Polytechnic’s Child Safety Commitment to Staff Including Employees, Volunteers, and Contractors

(62) Melbourne Polytechnic commits to ensuring all children and young people will be informed and aware of the process to report any concerns of abuse and commits to listen to all children and young people and empower them by taking their views seriously and addressing any concerns that they raise with us.

(63)  All staff working with children and young people will be provided with appropriate training in accordance with the Child Safety requirements.

Melbourne Polytechnic Commits to

(64) The safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our organisation.

(65) Providing all children and young people with positive and nurturing learning experiences.

(66) Listening to all children and young people and empowering them by taking their views seriously and addressing any concerns that they raise with us. Any misconduct towards children and young people will be dealt with in accordance with the Code of Conduct and referred to the police where appropriate.

(67) Acting to ensure that children and young people are protected from abuse or harm.

(68) Teaching children and young people the necessary skills and knowledge to understand and maintain their personal safety and wellbeing.

(69) Engaging with, and listening to, the views of parents and carers about our child- safety practices, policies and procedures.

(70) Acknowledging the cultural diversity of all children and young people and being sensitive to how this may affect student safety issues.

(71) Is committed to preventing child abuse and identifying risk early and removing and reducing these risks.

(72) Melbourne Polytechnic will ensure all new and continuing staff are aware of their responsibilities to comply with the Melbourne Polytechnic’s Code of Conduct, Child Safe Standards and associated legal reporting requirements. We commit to listening to all concerns voiced by Melbourne Polytechnic employees, volunteers and contractors about keeping all children and young people safe from harm. Melbourne Polytechnic will provide additional information and supports to staff responsible for programs where there are high numbers of students that are children or young people.

(73) Melbourne Polytechnic has a robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff, contractors and volunteers in contact with children, including:

1. Recruitment should be based on the selection criteria and clearly demonstrates the MP commitment to child safety to ensure the most appropriate staff are employed. Selection policies and guidelines, including pre-screening activities, reflect an understanding of, and commitment to, a child safe environment.
2. All prospective / new staff members that deal with children and young people will be required to undertake a National Criminal History Record Check prior to commencement of employment.
3. All people engaged in child-related work as defined in the Working with Children Act 2005, including volunteers, are required to hold a Working with Children Check (WWC) and to provide evidence that the WWC Check is valid at all times whilst employed by the department.
4.  In addition, positions that may have contact with children and young people due to their working environment are to be assessed as to whether a WWC Check is required to minimise the risk of harm to children and young people.

(74)  Please refer to the risk management policy and procedure for further instruction on how to identify, treat and monitor risks.

1. Continuously reviewing and improving our systems to protect children and young people from abuse.
2. Provide a safe environment for, and consider the needs of, same sex attracted and intersex children and young people, and recognises gender diversity in providing a safe environment, and consider their needs in providing that environment.
3. Melbourne Polytechnic staff will be provided with appropriate information and training on the Child Safe Standards.
4. To ensuring all new and continuing staff are aware of their responsibilities to comply with the Melbourne Polytechnic Code of Conduct, Child Safe Standards and associated mandatory reporting requirements.
5. To listening to all concerns voiced by Melbourne Polytechnic employees, volunteers and contractors about keeping all children and young people safe from harm.
6. To providing additional information and supports to staff responsible for programs where there are high numbers of under-aged students.
7. Have robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff, contractors and volunteers in contact with children.

Child Safety Officers

(75) Melbourne Polytechnic has two designated child safety officers, Student Services Manager and People and Culture Manager, they will support and assist students who have complaints and assist staff with understanding their reporting obligations and the process.

Identifying child abuse

(76) Students (and their families), staff, volunteers, contractors or visitors to Melbourne Polytechnic may have reasonable grounds for believing a child or young person who comes to the attention of a member of Melbourne Polytechnic community in the course of their employment, study, research or other connection to the institute, needs protection, including in any of the following circumstances:

1. Where there are reasonable concerns about harm to a child.
2. Physical abuse of, or non-accidental or unexplained injury to, a child.
3. A disclosure of sexual abuse by a child or witness, or a combination of factors suggesting the likelihood of sexual abuse, such as the child exhibiting concerning behaviours.
4. Emotional or psychological abuse and ill treatment of a child impacting on the child's stability and healthy development.
5. Persistent neglect, poor care or lack of appropriate supervision where there is a likelihood of significant harm to the child, or the child's stability and development.
6. Persistent family violence or parental substance misuse, psychiatric illness or intellectual disability where there is a likelihood of significant harm to the child, or the child's stability and development.
7. Where a child's actions or behaviour may place them at risk of significant harm and the parents or caregivers are unwilling, or unable to protect the child.
8. Where a child appears to have been abandoned, or where the child's parents are deceased or incapacitated and no other person is caring properly for the child.
9. Grooming of a child under 16 years of age by a person aged 18 years or older.

Child Safety Reporting Requirements

(77) As a member of the Melbourne Polytechnic team all staff have an obligation under state laws to report offences of child abuse or harm. Concerns regarding suspected or actual abuse of children by a Melbourne Polytechnic must be reported promptly to the Child Safety Officer.

(78) Any abuse or misconduct towards children and young people, will be dealt with by Melbourne Polytechnic in accordance with the applicable laws and the MP Code of Conduct and referred to the police or child protection authorities as appropriate.

Failure to disclose requirements

(79) According to the Victorian Government requirements, all adults who have a reasonable belief that an adult (a person 18 year or older) has committed a sexual offence of a minor under the age of 16 have an obligation to report any information they have to the Victorian Police. It is a criminal offense if you do not report unless the person has reasonable circumstances for not reporting in a timely manner.

(80) The Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 requires that, where a reasonable belief exists that a child is at risk, it must be reported as soon as practicable. Reasonable belief includes any event, incident or disclosure including a child stating they have been abused.

(81) A reasonable explanation for not disclosing includes fear for your safety or the safety of another person (other than the person believed to have committed the sexual offence), or belief that the information has already been disclosed to the Victoria police and/or Child protection.

Failure to protect requirements:

(82) This offense can apply if a person in authority at an educational institute which cares for children or young people 16 and under fails to reduce or remove any substantial risk of a child, that can become the victim of a sexual offense from someone over the age of 18 who is associated with the educational institute. A failure to protect a minor from substantial risk is a criminal offense.

(83) The organisation must take reasonable actions to ensure a child’s safety where an imminent threat or risk exists. Where a child is deemed to be at immediate risk, it is the responsibility of the organisation and mandated reporters to ensure the child’s immediate safety. This includes protecting the child from any further risk or harm by removing the alleged staff member or other adult from having further contact with the child.

Privacy Laws

(84)  Students, staff and volunteers must respect confidentiality and comply with the Privacy Policy when dealing with suspected child abuse. Details of the case and the identity of the child and their family will be recorded and will only be discussed with those directly involved in the management of the child’s situation and to meet the reporting obligations set out in this policy and in the legislation. Advice may be sought from the Melbourne Polytechnic Privacy Officer.

Section 4 - Responsibility and Accountability

(85) The Executive Leadership Committee will oversee and deliver strategies and initiatives to embed an organisational culture to child safety, through effective leadership arrangements.

(86) Executive Director People Culture and Corporate Services will provide supervision, training, screening and other robust staff recruitment processes that minimise the risk of child abuse.

(87) Child Safety Officers will provide information and advice to staff and students on mandatory reporting requirements.

(88) The Manager Student Services will provide children with access to tailored supports and services.

(89) All staff must comply with the Child Safety Standards and requirements to respond to incidents, disclosures and suspicions of Child Abuse.

Section 5 - Supporting Documents and Templates

(90) Related Melbourne Polytechnic policies and procedures:

(91) Melbourne Polytechnic is committed to promoting a safe environment for children and young people.

(92) Staff are expected to comply with all legislative requirements:

(93) Related legislation and regulation

1. Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005
2. Children, Youth and Families Act 2005
3. Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005
4. Worker Screening Act 2020
5. Crimes Amendment (Grooming) Act 2014
6. Crimes Amendment (Protection of Children) Act 2014
7. Children Legislation Amendment (Reportable Conduct) Act 2017
8. Wrongs Amendment (Organisational Child Abuse) Act 2017

Section 6 - Definitions

(94) For the purpose of this policy the following definitions apply:

1. Act: Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005

1. Aboriginal Child: A person under the age of 18 who is of, identifies as and is accepted as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent

1. Child: Any person under the age of 18 years

1. Child Abuse: constitutes any act committed against a child involving physical violence, sexual offences, serious emotional or psychological harm and serious neglect children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds: A child who identifies as having particular cultural or linguistic associations by virtue of their place of birth, ancestry or ethnic origin, religion, preferred language or language spoken at home or because of their parents’ identification on a similar basis

1. Children with a disability: a disability can be any physical, sensory, neurological disability, acquired brain injury, intellectual disability, or developmental delay that affects a child’s ability to undertake everyday activities

1. Child Safety: measures to protect children from all forms of child abuse, managing the risk of child abuse and responding to incidents or allegations of child abuse

1. Child Safety Officer: designated roles within Melbourne Polytechnic who support and assist staff and students with understanding their reporting obligations and the process.

1. Child Protection: An activity or initiative designed to protect children from all forms of harm, particularly arising from child abuse.

1. Contact with Children: Working on an activity with children that involves or may involve contact, either under the position description or due to the nature of the work environment.

1. Cultural Safety: Is an environment, which is safe for children, where there is no assault, challenge or denial of their identity, of who they are and what they need.

1. Grooming: A criminal offence which concerns predatory conduct undertaken to prepare a child for sexual activity at a later time. The offence applies where an adult communicates, by words or conduct, with a child under the age of 16 years or with a person who has care, supervision or authority for the child with the intention of facilitating the child’s involvement in sexual conduct, either with the groomer or another adult.

1. Mandatory Reporting: The legal requirement placed on Victorian Registered Teachers to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.

1. Personnel: are either employed by an organisation, engaged by an organisation on a subcontract basis, or engaged by an organisation on a voluntary or unpaid basis.

1. Reasonable Belief: When staff are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of a child or young person, they must assess that concern to determine if a report should be made to the relevant agency. This process of considering all relevant information and observations is known as forming a ‘reasonable belief’. A ‘reasonable belief’ or a ‘belief on reasonable grounds’ is not the same as having proof but is more than mere rumour or speculatio A ‘reasonable belief’ is formed if a reasonable person in the same position would have formed the belief on the same grounds.