Child Safety Standard 5

Child Safety Standard 5 – Equity is upheld, and diverse needs are respected in policy and practice.

Clubs should focus on

The organization, including staff and volunteers, understands children and young people’s diverse circumstances and provides support and responds to those who are vulnerable.
Children and young people have access to information, support, and complaints processes in ways that are culturally safe, accessible and easy to understand.
The organization pays particular attention to the needs of children and young people with disability, children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who are unable to live at home and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex children and young people.
The organization pays particular attention to the needs of Aboriginal children and young people and provides/promotes a culturally safe environment for them.

Documents required for compliance

All documents that involve policies and procedures are to be translated into child-friendly and age-appropriate resources.
A child safety and wellbeing policy that describes the following points.
The organization’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
How the organization will recognize and respect the diverse needs of all children
How the organization provides avenues for children or their families to identify their individual needs.
How the organization will provide children with access to information, support, and complaints processes in ways that are culturally safe, accessible and easy to understand.
How the organization will support equity and make reasonable changes to support participation by all children and respond to all children’s needs?
How the organization upholds the rights of the child and prevents abuse, discrimination and harm, specific to disability, race ethnicity, religion, sex, intersex status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Actions required for compliance

Clubs take steps to understand the diverse circumstances and needs of children who engage or may engage with it.
All staff and volunteers are provided with the following information.
Are provided with information and guidance where needed informing them of the circumstances diverse and unique to children, how to actively identify them and factors that contribute to a child’s vulnerability to harm and how to promote equity and safety for all children.
How to take action to support and respond to children who are experiencing vulnerability including making inquiries and responding where there are signs of increased vulnerability.
Take action to uphold all children’s rights, actively promoting and protecting children’s safety, while preventing child abuse and harm.
Leaders in the club will set clear expectations around achieving equity and respect for diversity.
The organization ensures all children are reasonably supported to participate.

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