Child safety at the Y
We have worked hard to ensure that our policies, procedures and practices enable us to provide the safest environment possible for children and young people. We have a strong commitment to our Child Safety policy. Our commitment also extends to providing developmentally appropriate and meaningful programs to the community, as well as working with children and their parents to help everyone become healthy and happy.We recruit, train and support our staff and volunteers to care for the children and young people in our programs and services. We ensure that our staff and volunteers always act in the best interests of children and young people, take all reasonable steps to keep them safe, and to promptly respond to any concern regarding the safety or development of children in our care.
We know that it takes more than great policies and procedures to keep children safe.
Child safety is at the heart of everything we do. We stand by strong policies, trusted procedures, and dedicated educators to support every child in our care. Our centres and services are independently reviewed by the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) and have earned ‘Excellence’ — the highest rating possible.
Stay safe, tell someone
To report a child safety concern, please complete the form on this page.
Child safety is at the heart of everything we do. We stand by strong policies, trusted procedures, and dedicated educators to support every child in our care. Our centres and services are independently reviewed by the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) and have earned ‘Excellence’ — the highest rating possible.
Stay safe, tell someone
To report a child safety concern, please complete the form on this page.
Child safety is our #1 priority at the Y
About child safety at the Y
Our Child Safety Policy applies to everyone who works or volunteers at Y Victoria. This includes our Boards, executive and front line staff.
The below elements are some of the key messages included in the policy to create an environment where children are protected, valued, and supported to thrive:
- Child Safety is embedded into daily thinking and actions at all levels, championed by our leaders. This includes our Board, our CEO and executive.
- We encourage children to voice their opinions and participate in decisions affecting them. Children know who to approach if they feel unsafe. Their views are valued and respected.
- Cultural Safety spotlights on the safety and inclusion of Aboriginal children, children with disabilities, LGBTQA+ children, and those from diverse backgrounds.
- We implement policies and procedures (like the Child Safe Standards), codes of conduct, and risk management to prevent and respond to harm.
- Staff training and accountability is implemented through mandatory training, mandatory Working with Children Checks and Police checks, background checks, and clear guidelines for appropriate behaviour (Code of Conduct) for all workers.
eSafety in Children’s programs
eSafety is embedded in our programs. As we recognise the importance of empowering children about online safety, we recommend these resources from the eSafety Commissioner website for our families:
- Mighty Heroes student page
- Online safety basics
- Online safety picture book and song
- Webinars for parents and carers
- Online safety book
- Family tech agreements
- Online safety for every family | In your language
- Student home
Additional support services contact details:
- Kids Helpline www.kidshelpline.com.au
- Headspace www.headspace.org.au
- Parentline www.services.dffh.vic.gov.au/parentline
eSafety webinar for parents and guardians