Admissions
Child Safety
Child Safe Standards
Good News Lutheran College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. As part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Betrayal of Trust report, there is a new regulatory landscape surrounding child safety, underpinned by new Child Safe Standards. The Standards are compulsory and apply to registered schools and other organisations that work with children and young people up to 18 years old, to ensure they are well prepared to protect children from abuse and neglect.
The Standards call for documented child safe policies, codes of conduct and clear strategies for responding to suspected abuse. Schools and other organisations will have new accountabilities for minimising the risk of child abuse in their organisation. Empowering children to understand their rights and raise concerns are also part of the new Standards, because we know this is a powerful protective factor against child abuse.
Victoria’s Child Safe Standards include special protections for some children. Children with a disability, Aboriginal children and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are all given particular focus. This will help ensure all our children, regardless of their background and needs, are protected in our learning environments.
To create and maintain a child safe organisation, an entity to which the Child Safe Standards apply must have:
| Standard | What is required in each school? |
| 1 | Strategies to embed an organisational culture of child safety. |
| 2 | A child safety policy or statement of commitment to child safety. |
| 3 | A child safety code of conduct. |
| 4 | School staff selection, supervision and management practices for a child-safe environment. |
| 5 | Procedures for responding to and reporting allegations of suspected child abuse. |
| 6 | Strategies to identify and reduce or remove risks of child abuse. |
| 7 | Strategies to promote child empowerment and participation. |
| All | School governing authorities must take into account the diversity of all children, including (but not limited to) the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disabilities and children who are vulnerable (schools only). |
Please find further information on the - Child First Website
GOOD NEWS LUTHERAN COLLEGE CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFETY POLICY
In accordance with Child Safety Policy (under section 8(a) and (b) of Ministerial Order No 870).
Other Useful Links
There are services that you can contact to access more information, and in some cases, to speak to somebody about your concerns.
National Child Abuse Helpline (Child Wise)
https://www.childwise.org.au/page/66/helpline
A toll-free number with access to expert advice from trained counsellors and an opportunity to speak up about child abuse.
Kids Helpline
For any time and for any reason - free, private and confidential phone and online counselling 24 hrs a day 7 days a week.
Headspace (National Youth Mental Health Foundation)
Headspace can help if you are aged 12 or over and you are going through a tough time. You can talk to someone at Headspace on the phone, online or in person. They also have a lot of information on their website.
Victorian Centres Against Sexual Assault
https://www.casa.org.au/survivors-and-friends/
Victorian Centres Against Sexual Assault provide services to child and adult victims/survivors of sexual assault. The assault may have occurred recently or in the past.
Create Foundation
Creating a better life for children and young people in care.
Youthlaw
Free and confidential legal advice.
580 Tarneit Rd, Tarneit, VIC 3029 | PO Box 2193, Werribee VIC 3030
Opening Hours | (03) 8742 9000 | frontdesk@goodnews.vic.edu.au
