Professional Standards & Compliance

Professional Standards

At The Good Shepherd CCS, we are committed to maintaining the highest professional, ethical, and safety standards in the delivery of supervised child contact and changeover services. Our practice is guided by the national frameworks established for Children’s Contact Services (CCSs) and by a strong commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of every child and family we support.

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Our Guiding Frameworks

We operate in accordance with the following national guidelines:

    •    Attorney-General’s Department – Children’s Contact Services: Guiding Principles Framework for Good Practice (2014)

This framework outlines the principles, operational standards, and child-focused practices that underpin safe, neutral, and professional contact services.

    •    Australian Children’s Contact Services Association (ACCSA) – Standards for Children’s Contact Services (2008)

These standards provide guidance on minimum practice expectations for CCSs in Australia and are based on the values of safety, neutrality, accessibility, and respect.

We voluntarily align our policies and procedures with both frameworks to ensure our service meets or exceeds recognised national standards.

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Core Principles of Practice

Our professional practice is built upon the following key principles:

    1.    Child Safety and Wellbeing First

Every decision and interaction prioritises the safety, welfare, and best interests of the child. All services are conducted in accordance with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

    2.    Neutrality and Independence

We remain impartial and unbiased at all times. Our role is to facilitate safe, child-focused contact — not to advocate for either parent.

    3.    Safety and Risk Management

All venues used for contact are carefully risk-assessed. We follow clear procedures for identifying and responding to potential or actual risks to children, parents, or staff.

    4.    Confidentiality and Privacy

Client information is handled in line with the Australian Privacy Principles and our Confidentiality and Privacy Policy. Sensitive information is stored securely and shared only where legally required.

    5.    Respect and Dignity

We treat every child and adult with respect, fairness, and cultural sensitivity, regardless of gender, ethnicity, background, or family circumstances.

    6.    Cultural Awareness and Inclusion

We provide culturally safe services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Interpreters and culturally appropriate venues are arranged when required.

    7.    Professional Boundaries and Ethics

Staff maintain clear professional boundaries and adhere to a strict Code of Conduct. We do not provide counselling, therapy, or legal advice within supervised visits unless specifically qualified and contracted to do so.

    8.    Qualified and Trained Staff

All staff are appropriately trained in child safety, family violence awareness, conflict de-escalation, and trauma-informed practice. Ongoing professional development is mandatory.

    9.    Accountability and Continuous Improvement

Our service regularly reviews policies, procedures, and client feedback to ensure best-practice operation. We participate in professional supervision, peer review, and reflective practice.

    10.    Integrated Service Approach

We work collaboratively with other family support, counselling, and legal services to assist families in moving towards safe, self-managed contact arrangements when appropriate.

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Our Compliance Commitments

    •    Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance coverage.

    •    Working With Children Checks (WWCC) for all staff and contractors.

    •    Adherence to state and federal mandatory reporting laws regarding child abuse or neglect.

    •    Commitment to transparent, lawful, and accountable service delivery.

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Continuous Quality Assurance

We engage in ongoing internal review and external consultation to ensure our service reflects current best practice. We welcome feedback from families, referrers, and professional stakeholders to help us strengthen our standards and outcomes.

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Reference Documents

    •    Attorney-General’s Department (2014). Children’s Contact Services Guiding Principles Framework for Good Practice

    •    Australian Children’s Contact Services Association (2008). Standards for Children’s Contact Services

    •    Australian Human Rights Commission (2019). National Principles for Child Safe Organisations