Child Safe Standards
Council endorsed a comprehensive and robust Child Safe Policy in 2018. This policy outlines Council’s commitment to creating a child safe Port Phillip and articulates how Council will continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
Child safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Child Safe Standards
The City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse.
We are a committed Child Safe organisation, ensuring that a culture of child safety is embedded into our practices and processes.
Every child accessing Council services has the right to feel and be safe.
This City embraces diversity and inclusion. Children of all age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, family background and social background have equal rights to protection from abuse.
All City of Port Phillip Councillors, employees, volunteers, contractors and community representatives must understand and act to prevent, detect, respond to and report any suspicions of child abuse, and maintain a child safe culture.
The organisation overseeing the implementation and compliance with the Child Safe Standards is the Commission for Children and Young People.
Reporting child abuse
If you suspect or know of a child or young person being abused, you must report it:
- if a situation is life threatening, contact police on Triple Zero (000)
- for immediate concerns about the safety of a child, contact the Department of Human Services Child Protection Crisis Line by telephone on 13 12 78
- to discuss concerns about the safety of a child or young person, contact your local police station.
The same process applies if you have concerns about the behaviour of a City of Port Phillip employee, Councillor, volunteer or contractor towards a child or young person. Your concerns will be taken seriously and will be investigated appropriately and reported to the City of Port Phillip’s Executive Leadership Team.
Any complaints about a City of Port Phillip employee, Councillor, volunteer or contractor’s behaviour or conduct towards a child or young person will be handled in accordance with Council's Complaint Handling Policy. This is in-line with the Victorian Reportable Conduct Scheme.
For child safety enquiries please email our designated Child Safety Helpdesk email: helpchildsafestds@portphillip.vic.gov.au