We are committed to putting children first and keeping them safe in our community.

We advocate for the rights of children and young people. Upholding our commitment as a child safe organisation.
 

How to Report Child Protection Concerns

If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 000 (triple zero). If you think a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, call the Child Protection Helpline at 132 111. 

When making a report to the Child Protection Helpline, it is important to remember:

• You don’t have to prove that abuse has taken place.
• You only need reasonable grounds for your belief.
• You don’t need permission from parents or caregivers to make a report. They also do not need someone to tell them that a report is being made.
• Your identity will remain confidential. Unless you need to give evidence if the matter goes to court.

To learn more about Council's child safe framework, or to complain about a child safety issue, please email our Child Safe Team at childsafe@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.

Note: Report all child protection concerns to the Police and/or the Child Protection Helpline first.   
 

National Child Protection Week - 1 to 7 September 2024

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) leads National Child Protection Week. They aim to engage and educate Australians. They want to empower them to understand and prevent child abuse and neglect.

This year's theme, 'Every Conversation Matters', stresses the power of dialogue to protect children and young people. Conversations are more than words. They are key to understanding issues, solving problems, and strengthening our community.

Council supports National Child Protection Week. During National Child Protection Week, Council will host 'Child Safe in Sport' - an information session delivered by the Office of the Children's Guardian for sporting organisations in Georges River. This event will help Georges River sports groups follow child safety laws. It will provide tips and resources.

For family-friendly events or activities for children, check our What's On page.

To hear what child safety means to our organisational leaders and staff, as well as children, young people, and families from Georges River, watch our child safe video below. 


 

What are the National Principles?

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse outlined advice to make organisations in Australia safer for children.

The National Principles guide organizations. They help improve child safety practices and culture. The 10 National Principles are outlined below:

1. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
2. Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
3. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
5. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
6. Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child focused.
7. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness. To keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
8. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing. While minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
9. Implementation of the national child safe principles is regularly reviewed and improved.
10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

For further information, visit the Office of the Childrens Guardian website or view the video below.


 

Resources and Helpful Links