Child Safety and Wellbeing Statement

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At The Good Shepherd CCS, the safety and wellbeing of children is our highest priority.

We are committed to creating and maintaining a child-safe, child-friendly, and trauma-informed environment where every child is respected, protected, and supported to have safe contact with their family members.

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Our Commitment

    •    Children have the right to be safe, heard, and valued.

We believe all children have an equal right to safety, protection, and participation, regardless of their family situation, background, gender, culture, or ability.

    •    Zero tolerance for abuse, neglect, or violence.

We do not tolerate any form of child abuse, neglect, discrimination, or unsafe behaviour. All allegations and concerns are responded to immediately and in line with legal and ethical obligations.

    •    Child-centred practice.

Every decision and service is guided by the best interests of the child. Our work supports each child’s emotional security, dignity, and connection with safe family members.

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How We Keep Children Safe

    1.    Qualified and Screened Staff

All staff and contractors hold current Working With Children Checks (WWCC) and are trained in child safety, trauma awareness, and family violence risk assessment.

    2.    Safe Environments

All venues used for contact (including parks, community facilities, and neutral meeting points) are risk-assessed to ensure they are safe, supervised, and suitable for children.

Staff monitor interactions at all times and intervene promptly to prevent harm or distress.

    3.    Confidentiality and Privacy

Children’s personal information is protected in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. Details are only shared where legally required or necessary for the child’s safety.

    4.    Responding to Concerns

We take all reports and suspicions of abuse, neglect, or harm seriously.

Staff follow a clear Mandatory Reporting Procedure and work with relevant authorities and support services to ensure the child’s immediate and ongoing safety.

    5.    Child and Family Voice

We encourage children to express their feelings, needs, and preferences in age-appropriate ways.

Children and families are supported to provide feedback or raise concerns without fear of negative consequences.

    6.    Cultural Safety and Inclusion

We are committed to cultural respect and inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families, and children with disabilities.

Interpreters and culturally appropriate settings are provided where needed.

    7.    Continuous Improvement

Our child-safe practices and policies are regularly reviewed and updated in line with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and best-practice guidelines for Children’s Contact Services.

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If You Have a Concern

Anyone—child, parent, professional, or member of the community—can raise a safety concern by contacting us directly at:

📧 Admin@thegoodshepherdccs.com.au

📞  0405 168 664     

All concerns are taken seriously, treated confidentially, and addressed promptly.

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Our Promise

We will always act to protect children.

We will listen to their voices.

We will uphold their rights to safety, dignity, and connection.

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