Huon Valley Council approved their Safeguarding Children and Youth Policy at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 25 September 2024. This policy demonstrates Council’s commitment to being a Child and Youth safe organisation and includes a Child Safe Statement of Commitment.
Huon Valley Council Child Safe Statement of Commitment:
- We are committed to being a Child Safe Organisation, to protecting Children and Youth and promoting their safety within our organisation and the Huon Valley community.
- We have zero tolerance to child abuse and harm. We are obligated to prioritise the safety of the Children and Youth who interact with Council Workers and where Children and Youth are present in Council Facilities and supervised by Council Workers in the performance of their role and to ensure we have processes in place to report Reportable Conduct.
- We will comply with the Universal Principle of the right to cultural safety and the mandatory Child and Youth Safe Standards in the performance of our local government functions and service to the Huon Valley community.
- We recognise the importance of the safety of Children and Youth in the provision of quality community services by Council. All Children and Youth who attend services, programs, events at Council Facilities (including online environments) that are delivered, owned, contracted, or managed by Council and supervised by Council Workers have the right to feel safe, be safe, and be respected.
This Statement of Commitment can be found on Council’s website at https://www.huonvalley.tas.gov.au/community/safeguarding-children-young-people/
Hard copies of the Safeguarding Children and Youth Policy can be viewed in person at Council’s Customer Service Centre.
Do you have a concern about child or young person?
We encourage anyone affected by, or with concerns about, child sexual abuse or other types of child abuse to access advice and support.
- In case of a current emergency, call 000
- For information about child wellbeing and safety, contact https://strongfamiliessafekids.tas.gov.au/ or call 1800 000 123
- If you have concerns but are unsure, look for more information on the Tell Someone website: https://tellsomeone.tas.gov.au/
Does your concern involve a Council Worker?
If you have a concern about a child or young person and it involves a Council Worker:
- Call Huon Valley Council on 6264 0300
- Ask to speak with someone about a child safety concern. Do not give details of your concerns to customer service.
- If Council’s dedicated officer is unavailable to speak with straight away, customer service will take your details, and they will return your call as soon as possible.