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Safeguarding Children

Football NSW is committed to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children and young people participating in football within Football NSW and to working with all clubs, associations, branches and referee branches so that children can enjoy football and feel safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Child Safe Standards

Compliance and Audits of Sport Clubs & Associations

Compliance with the Child Safe Standards came into effect in February 2022 and is compulsory for all sport clubs, associations, branches, referee branches.

The NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian will be conducting compliance audits of football clubs in 2024.   Clubs, Associations, Branches and Referee Branches are reminded of the importance of full compliance with both the NSW Child Safe Standards and the NSW Working with Children Check to help keep children safe in our sport.

Child Safe Standards – What are they?

The Child Safe Standards were recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and provide a framework so organisations can create cultures and adopt strategies to keep children safe from harm.  The Standards are designed as a way to embed child safety in the attitudes, behaviours and practices of organisations and people who work and volunteer in them.

The 10 Child Safe Standards:

  1. Child safety is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
  2. Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
  3. Families and communities are informed and involved
  4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account
  5. People working with children are suitable and supported
  6. Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child-focused
  7. Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training
  8. Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur
  9. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved
  10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is child safe.

An introduction to the Child Safe Standards and the Child Safe Scheme

National Child Protection Week

Children thrive in communities that are friendly and connected.  Sport clubs play a crucial role in building community and creating positive experience for children.

Clubs are encouraged to support and promote National Child Protection Week, running September 1-7, 2024.

 

Child Safe Guidelines and Resources

The Child Safe Standards Guidelines will assist your organisation comply with the Standards by strengthening what you already have in place.
Child Safe Standards GuidelinesFootball Australia Safeguarding Policy

Child Safe Standards – Training

Child Safe Policies and Documents