Student Wellbeing

Child Safety

At St Joseph’s we believe that the social, emotional, moral, spiritual and physical wellbeing of our students is pivotal to student health, safety, learning and success.

At St Joseph’s we acknowledge and understand that child safety is the responsibility of every person and is an integral aspect of student wellbeing. We aim to work collaboratively with parents, students and other community members to ensure a safe school environment.

We work under the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) guidelines and use their policies to guide the procedures that are implemented in our school.

Our commitment to the protection of students is based on our belief that each person is made in the image of God, and our ethos is to provide a safe and supportive environment.

NEW CHILD SAFE STANDARDS

On 1 July 2021, the Victorian Government announced that new Child Safe Standards to further strengthen child safe environments and protect children from abuse would be implemented. The 11 new Child Safe Standards are;

  • Child Safe Standard 1 – Establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued
  • Child Safe Standard 2 – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
  • Child Safe Standard 3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
  • Child Safe Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
  • Child Safe Standard 5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice
  • Child Safe Standard 6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice
  • Child Safe Standard 7 – Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused
  • Child Safe Standard 8 – Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training
  • Child Safe Standard 9 – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed
  • Child Safe Standard 10 – Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved
  • Child Safe Standard 11 – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people

Reporting and Contacts

If you have any concerns or questions regarding Child Safety please contact our Child Safety Officers

Kirsten (Principal) or Jenny Mirrales (Health & Wellbeing Leader)

Child Safety Champion – Jenny Mirrales

There are a number of supports available when responding to incidents, disclosures or suspicions of child abuse.

DIOCESE OF SALE CATHOLIC EDUCATION LIMITED

Industrial Relations / Human Resources

Child Protection Officer

24 HOUR SERVICES

Victoria Police: 000

DHHS Child Protection: 131 278

OTHER SERVICES

POLICIES

DOSCEL - Commitment Statement to Child Safety DOSCEL - Visitor Policy DOSCEL - Volunteers Policy DOSCEL - Complaints and Grievances Management Policy St Joseph's - Complaint Handling Procedure St Joseph's - Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy St Joseph's - Child Safe Code of Conduct St Joseph's - Child Friendly Code of Conduct Policy St Joseph's - Digital Learning Policy (Internet, Social Media and Digital Devices) DOSCEL - Pastoral Care Policy Anti- Grooming Policy DOSCEL - Failure to Disclose DOSCEL - Failure to Protect DOSCEL - Mandatory Reporting Policy Four Critical Actions for Response to Child Abuse DOSCEL - Duty of Care Policy DOSCEL - Behaviour Management Policy DOSCEL - Suspension Negotiated Transfer and Expulsion Policy and Procedure