We're a Child Safe Service
At Cloverdale Early Education and Care, we are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and young people who engage with our services. The Child Safe Service is an initiative founded by Cloverdale Early Education and Care and is rooted in our understanding of our responsibilities and statutory duty of care, aligning with both Child Safe Standards and Child Protection guidelines. Our dedication to creating a child-safe environment is an integral part of our philosophy. Here’s what it means to be a Child Safe Service and how we uphold this commitment:
What is a Child Safe Service?
As a Child Safe Service, we place the best interests of children and young people first. Our commitment to child safety goes beyond policies and procedures, as we aim to create a culture, adopt strategies, and take proactive steps to promote child wellbeing and prevent harm to children and young people. A Child Safe Service consciously and systematically:
- Centres on Child Safety and Wellbeing: We ensure that children's safety and wellbeing are at the core of our thoughts, values, and actions.
- Emphasises Engagement: We genuinely engage with and value children and young people, fostering a sense of trust and respect.
- Prevents Harm: We create conditions that reduce the likelihood of harm to children and young people.
- Identifies and Responds to Harm: We establish conditions that increase the likelihood of identifying and responding to any harm, concerns, disclosures, allegations, or suspicions.
We also work diligently to comply with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and the National Quality Framework, utilising practical tools and resources to ensure we provide safe and nurturing environments for our children.
Our Child Safe Commitment
- Implement Child Safe Standards: We follow the Child Safe Standards and Child Protection guidelines, emphasising our zero tolerance for child abuse and our commitment to raising awareness about child safety within our service and the broader community.
- Protect Children: We are dedicated to protecting children from abuse and neglect, maintaining their overall wellbeing. We adhere to our comprehensive Child Protection Policy, ensuring our mandatory reporting responsibilities are executed to protect children from physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse and neglect.
- Define Appropriate Behavior: We establish clear boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate behavior regarding adults and children through our Code of Conduct and Our Child Safe Commitment. We maintain secure boundaries between children, employees, volunteers, and the community to ensure the safety of our children.
- Promote Cultural Safety: We actively promote safety for children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with disabilities. Our commitment to diversity and our firm stance against discriminatory practices further contribute to our child safety initiatives.
- Professional Development: We invest in ongoing professional development for our staff to enhance their ability to recognise and respond to situations of abuse and neglect. Our employees are continually educated on their responsibilities in keeping children safe.
- Child Rights: We align our practices with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, educating children about their right to be safe. We empower children by teaching them what to do if they feel unsafe and by encouraging them to express their views on matters that directly affect them.
We stand firm in our commitment to creating a Child Safe Service, one that not only complies with all relevant standards and regulations but also goes beyond to foster a nurturing environment where children can thrive. We are always eager to engage with parents, carers, and our wider community in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the youngest members of our community.
Mandatory Reporting
In Western Australia, certain professionals are legally obligated to report any suspected child sexual abuse. This obligation applies to various roles, including doctors, police officers, registered teachers, nurses, midwives, boarding supervisors, out-of-home care workers, and others.
Recent amendments introduced via the Children and Community Services Amendment Act 2021 expand the list of mandatory reporters. Beginning in November 2024, Early Childhood Educators will join this group. However, even before this legal requirement, our service has been proactive in fostering a ‘See It, Say It’ culture, which is fundamental to our commitment as a Child Safe Service.
The essence of this culture lies in creating an environment where every educator and staff member is not only empowered but also strongly encouraged to voice their concerns if they observe any situation or behaviour that could potentially jeopardise a child’s safety and well-being.
We firmly believe that every child has the fundamental right to feel safe. To honour this right, our collective commitment is cultivating an environment where child safety is paramount.
Child Wellbeing Subsidy
Sometimes families face challenging situations, and we’re here to provide extra support. The Child Wellbeing Subsidy is designed to help eligible families in specific circumstances, including if your child is in a vulnerable state or considered at risk of harm, abuse, or neglect.
This subsidy is offered when a child is:
- Vulnerable or at risk of harm, abuse, or neglect.
- In formal foster care or formal kinship placement.
- Under the care of the state, territory, or the Minister.
If you feel that you are eligible for Additional Child Care Subsidy, we will apply for the Child Wellbeing subsidy on your behalf. Feel free to speak with us if you believe your child could benefit from this extra support. Your child’s well-being is important to us, and we’re here to offer a helping hand during challenging times.
Need some help or Support?
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need some help or support, remember that we’re here for you. Your safety and well-being are important, and we’re here to help in any way we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support.
You can also reach out to these numbers anytime, day or night.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the police now on 000.
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS): If you or someone you know doesn’t speak English, call TIS at 13 14 50. They’ll connect you with the right service and help with any language translation.
Support and Help Numbers:
- Child Protection: The Department of Communities protects and cares for Western Australian children and young people who are in need, and supports families and individuals who are at risk or in crisis. Visit Child protection (www.wa.gov.au)
- Reporting Child Abuse Or Neglect: Anyone who is concerned that a child is suffering any form of abuse or neglect should report their concerns to the Department of Communities through the Central Intake Team on 1800 273 889, even if they are not a mandatory reporter under the Act.
- For family violence, abuse, or counseling, call 1800RESPECT: They’re available day and night at 1800 737 732.
- In urgent situations or if you have concerns about a child’s safety, call Crisis Care: They’re there for you after hours at 1800 199 008.
- Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline: If you need help or information about domestic violence, call them at 1800 000 599.
- Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline: For support and information about family violence, including shelter options, call them at 1800 007 339.
- MensLine Australia: If you’re a man or know someone who needs support with family or relationship issues, you can talk to someone at 1300 78 99 78.
- Sexual Assault Resource Centre: If you need help or support because of sexual violence, call them at (08) 6458 1828 or free call 1800 199 888.