CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Policy Date: January 2015 / Rev. 1 / Last Revision Dated 08/02/2021

  1. Our Commitment Towards Child Protection

 The Friends Of The Children Foundation Inc (FOTCF) is working towards a better future for young Australians in need. This statement outlines our commitment to safeguarding children and young people from abuse and neglect as we work within the communities.

We will provide safe environments; always act in the best interests of children; and take action to protect children and other vulnerable persons from abuse and neglect.



  1. Safeguarding Children and Other Vulnerable People from Abuse and Neglect

Provide Safe Environments

We take seriously our responsibility to always provide safe environments for the children and young people participating in our programs and activities. We work with communities to ensure we are culturally respectful and inclusive. We have adopted and continue to monitor our compliance with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations:

  1. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
  2. Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
  3. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
  4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
  5. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
  6. Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child focused.
  7. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
  8. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed. 
  9. Implementation of the national child safe principles is regularly reviewed and improved.
  10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
  1. Act in the best interest of children and young people

We will always act in the best interests of children and young people who are our primary consideration.

This is consistent with Article 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Australia ratified in 1990.

  1. Act to protect children and other vulnerable people

We will always act to protect children and other vulnerable people from physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and witnessing family and other violence. We act on this commitment, which all our team members and volunteers must comply.

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