Catholic schools are committed to providing safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments for every child. The Child Safe Standards set clear expectations for schools to protect children from harm and ensure their wellbeing is always the highest priority. These standards guide schools in building cultures of safety through strong leadership, clear policies, and respectful relationships between staff, students, and families.

Recent updates to Working with Children Check (WWCC) requirements mean that parents, carers, and volunteers must hold a current WWCC if they are engaged in any child-related work at school, such as helping in classrooms, attending camps or excursions, or coaching sporting teams. Schools can advise when a WWCC is needed for specific activities.

In Victoria, all school staff are also mandatory reporters and must act if they believe a child is at risk of abuse or harm. Parents are encouraged to speak with school leaders if they ever have a concern about a child’s safety.

For more information and support, visit:

• Australian Catholic Safeguarding Standards
• Commission for Children and Young People
• Working with Children Check Victoria
• VCEA Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
• The Australian Human Rights Commission