Safety of Children

Our commitment to the safety of children

cohealth supports the principles contained in the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child and provide services in a way that empowers children and encourages their participation in their healthcare.

cohealth believes that any form of child abuse, situations where children feel unsafe or are put in danger is unacceptable, and we will act quickly and strongly respond to any allegations or threats of harm through appropriate channels.

coheath has a special focus on the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, the cultural safety of culturally and linguistically diverse children and the safety of children with disability.

cohealth’s commitment to child safety is detailed within our Child Safe Policy and also embedded in our Code of Conduct. Both are accepted by and applicable to all cohealth staff who have contact with children.

cohealth takes all reasonable steps to ensure that we employ skilled, ethical and responsible people to work with children through various human resource checks and processes. These processes include requesting and obtaining working with children and police record checks.

cohealth provides ongoing learning and professional development for staff by supporting them with training in current child safe practices and standards.

cohealth has comprehensive a risk management process for identifying, reducing and responding to risks of child abuse.

If you think a child is at risk of abuse call the Police: 000

If you would like more information about our commitment to child safety please contact our quality team at: quality@cohealth.org.au or call us on 9448 6102.

Useful links and contact

Victorian Child Safe Standards

The Commission for Children and Young People have produced the Child Safe Standards. Victorian organisations that provide services to children are required under the Child Safety and Wellbeing Act to ensure that they implement compulsory child safe standards to protect children from harm. For more information go to the Commission for Children and Young People and the Child Safe Standards website.

Kids Helpline

If you are under 18, are worried about something and would like some advice or support you can call the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, email them at counsellor@kidshelpline.com.au or visit the Kids Helpline website to chat with someone online.

Child Protection

If you are concerned about the safety of a child you can call the police on 000 if there is immediate risk or danger. The Department of Health Child Protection Service offers services that target children and young people at risk of harm. Go to  the Victorian Government Child Protection website for more information.

Kidsafe

Information and education on the prevention of unintentional death and serious injury to children aged 0 – 15 years.. Go to the KidSafe website for more information.