Commitment to Child Safety
Organisation's Statement on Child Safety
Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative was established in 1974 with the aim of providing a safe space for our children, youth and families. The Board of Directors from that time forward have upheld this integrity. MVAC Board, Staff and Volunteers, have a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and take
MVAC's duty of care seriously, always acting in the best interests of the child.
MVAC will:
- Establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
- Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
- Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
- Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
- Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
- People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
- Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
- Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
- Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
- Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
- Ensure our policies and procedures reflect how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
MVAC recognises that Children and Youth:
- Have a voice
- Have the right to be free of abuse and neglect to grow, learn, and develop
- Are more vulnerable to abuse and manipulation
- Child abuse thrives on secrecy
- Protecting children is a community-wide responsibility.
MVAC will:
- Implement key strategy to prevent risk to children
- Cultivate a culture of awareness, transparency and communication
- Accept the responsibility to foster an environment in which children are listened to
- Actively encourage children to have a say about things that are important to them
- Regularly assess and manage the risk of abuse to children who come into contact with our service
- Take steps to identify, investigate, and respond to any disclosures or allegations of harm against a child
- Listen to and act decisively on any child safety concerns or allegations of abuse that are made.
