The precise definitions and potential distinctions between ‘Child Protection,’ ‘Child Safe,’ and ‘Child Safeguarding’ often cause confusion as these terms are commonly used interchangeably in various contexts.
‘Child Safe’ and ‘Child Safeguarding’ share a nearly identical meaning. Both terms are employed similarly, although different organizations tend to favor one over the other. ‘Child Safeguarding’ finds more usage within the Catholic Church and its affiliated entities (like schools), while ‘Child Safe Organisation‘ is more prevalent among most other organizations.
However, ‘Child Protection’ holds a subtle yet crucial difference in its significance.
What is Child Protection?
UNICEF Australia defines “Child Protection” as the “programs, measures and structures to prevent and respond to abuse, exploitation, neglect and violence affecting children in all sectors, contexts and environment”.
“Child Protection Systems” encompass a diverse set of legal frameworks, policies, regulations, and support services spanning across multiple sectors—particularly in areas like social welfare, education, health, security, and justice. These systems are designed to proactively address and react to potential risks concerning protection. Within educational settings, examples of such systems involve practices like Mandatory Reporting and Information Sharing.
What is Child Safe/Safeguarding?
Child Safe and Child Safeguarding extend beyond the scope of child protection. They serve as overarching concepts enveloping various elements crucial for establishing a secure environment for children. These encompass the creation of inclusive and inviting spaces, empowering children in decision-making processes, ensuring cultural safety, advocating for equity and embracing diversity, along with implementing comprehensive child protection systems.
What about ‘Child Safe Organisations’?
‘Child Safe Organisation’ emerged as a novel concept stemming from the realization that solely relying on child protection systems falls short in guaranteeing children’s safety within the multitude of organizations and institutions they encounter or engage with. Instances such as the Betrayal of Trust Inquiry in Victoria and the Royal Commission emphasized that civil and criminal law responses to child abuse and harm were insufficient in preventing harm across various settings.
The Royal Commission put forth several proposals: Introduction of uniform child safe standards applied nationwide across all institutions dealing with children.
Development of these standards based on the Commission’s specified 10 Child Safe Standards, integrated into the National Principles for Child Safe Organisation, and ratified by the Coalition of Australian Governments (COAG).
Compulsory adoption of these standards by all entities engaged in child-related work, integrated into the legislation of respective states and territories.
Delegation of the responsibility to oversee and enforce these standards to independent oversight bodies in each state and territory (with the potential for delegation to sector regulators such as school registration bodies).
These recommendations garnered unanimous approval from all Australian governments, resulting in the formulation of the National Principles. As delineated in these principles, a child safe organization is one that deliberately and systematically: Fosters an environment where children’s safety and well-being are the primary focal points in thoughts, values, and actions.
- Prioritizes genuine engagement with and appreciation for children.
- Creates circumstances directed at reducing the likelihood of harm to children and young individuals.
- Cultivates an atmosphere conducive to detecting any instances of harm.
- Swiftly and actively addresses concerns, disclosures, allegations, or suspicions of harm.
Conclusion:
Understanding the distinction between Child Protection and the encompassing concept of Child Safe/Safeguarding is pivotal since the latter represents the actual mandate prescribed by the National Principles.
The unanimous endorsement of the National Principles by all states and territories in Australia has occurred. Currently, each region is deliberating on methods to ensure obligatory compliance for all organizations involved in child-related activities. Notably, certain states have already implemented effective measures for mandatory compliance, with Victoria setting a precedent as the forerunner in this pursuit.