Safeguarding Experts
Community Organisations
Community organisations and not-for-profits play a vital role in the lives of children and young people. From youth groups and cultural associations to arts programs, neighbourhood houses and volunteer-run activities, community organisations must ensure that children are safe, respected and heard, regardless of their size or resources.
Expert legal services to community organisations
Step by Step implementation
Here when you need us
Child Safety in Community Organisations
Community organisations often work with children in informal settings, through volunteers who may change frequently and committees that may not have specialist safeguarding expertise. These characteristics can create gaps in screening, supervision and responses to concerns if they are not actively managed.
Community organisations that provide services, activities or facilities for children are generally required to comply with the Child Safe Standards in their state or territory. Volunteers and staff working with children will usually need a Working with Children Check, and some organisations may also be captured by Reportable Conduct Schemes.
Committees and boards have an important role in overseeing child safety. Leaders who fail to address known risks can face serious consequences. Read more about Head of Entity personal liability.
The Child Safe Standards can be applied in a way that reflects the size and nature of an organisation. Safe Space Legal helps community organisations put in place practical, proportionate safeguarding systems that volunteers can understand and follow.
Our Services
Child Safety Policies
Developing child safety policies, codes of conduct, and complaints handling processes for community organisations and not-for-profits
Child Safety Investigations
Independent, trauma-informed workplace investigations into allegations involving staff, contractors and volunteers, compliant with Reportable Conduct Schemes
Audits
Audits and gap analysis against the Child Safe Standards with practical safeguarding recommendations for community organisations and not-for-profits
Child Safety Training
Tailored child safety training for committee members, staff, coordinators and volunteers
Legal Advice
Expert safeguarding legal advice for community organisations and not-for-profits, including compliance obligations, complaints and critical incidents
Incident Management
Root cause analyses of critical child safety incidents with crisis management and regulatory compliance support
