Safety of children & young people
VU wants children and young people to be safe, respected, engaged and happy within the VU community. VU is committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all young people.
This includes:
- A commitment to the cultural safety of young people with Aboriginal heritage and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- A commitment to the social and psychological safety of young people of all sexualities and gender identities, including intersex young people
- A commitment to enabling the full participation of young people with disabilities.
VU's protection of children & young people
VU is committed to preventing child abuse or harm by or through the early identification of risks in the University environment and the removal and reduction of those risks.
VU has robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff, which explicitly consider child safety and wellbeing. VU is also committed to regularly training and educating its staff on the risks of child abuse or harm.
VU has zero tolerance of child abuse or harm, and all allegations and safety concerns made to VU will be treated very seriously and consistently in line with VU's policies and procedures.
VU has policies and procedures to guide and support its leadership team and staff to achieve these commitments to provide a child-safe environment. These include:
- Safety and Welfare of Children and Young People Policy, which includes:
- Appendix 1 Child Safety Reporting Process
- Appendix 2 Child Safety Reporting Guidelines
- Safety and Welfare of Children and Young People Procedure
- Safety and Welfare of Children and young people - International Student Welfare Procedure
- Safety and Welfare of Children and young people - Staff Code of Conduct.
The Staff Code of Conduct clearly establishes acceptable and unacceptable behaviours for VU staff, students, volunteers and council members.
We regularly review our practices, policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with the Commonwealth Child Safety Framework and the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
Report child abuse
If you have immediate safety concerns about a child or young person, please call 000.
If you have general safety concerns about a child or young person, contact the Child Protection intake office where the child lives. After 5pm and on weekends, contact the Child Protection after hours service on 13 12 78.
Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP)
The CCYP can help you with the Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme, including how to formally report a concern.
Safer Community
All child safety concerns should be reported to Safer Community.
Safer Community is the initial contact and referral point for those who have child safety concerns, as outlined in Safety and Welfare of Children and Young People Procedure.
Working with children
Get information about the Working with children check, apply for or renew your check:
Working with children check - Department of Justice and Community Safety
If you are a current VU staff member, contractor, volunteer or council member, please direct any queries about Working with Children Checks to People and Culture.
Email:
Log a request through People First (login required)