We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children at all of our sites and when we provide services in the community and online. Gateway Health’s commitment to child safety is detailed within this ‘Our Commitment to the Safety of Children’ statement.

Gateway Health is committed to:

• Promoting the safety of children with zero tolerance for any form of child abuse or exploitation. We will act quickly and strongly to respond to and report allegations of child abuse or threats of harm through appropriate channels.
• Providing services in a way that empowers children and encourages their participation in their healthcare, including a safe environment to make complaints and raise concerns.
• Ensuring the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and ensuring that decision-making is made or informed by Aboriginal people wherever possible.
• Providing a safe and welcoming environment for all children, including Aboriginal children, children from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds, children with disability and LGBTIQ+ children.
• Taking all reasonable steps to ensure we employ skilled, ethical and responsible people through various human resource checks and processes. Working with Children Checks and Police Record Checks are mandatory for all staff and volunteers.
• Providing ongoing learning and professional development for staff and volunteers in current child safe practices and standards.
• Preventing harm to children by identifying risks and taking steps to reduce or remove those risks.
• Promoting child safety and wellbeing by adopting and complying with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations contained in the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Child Safe Standards, produced by the Commission for Children and Young People. For more information about the Commission and the Standards visit their website https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/.

Useful Links and Contact Details

Kids Helpline

If you are under 18 and you are worried about something and would like some advice or support you can contact Kids Helpline.

• Call 1800 551 800
• Email counsellor@kidshelpline.com.au
• Visit Kids Helpline to chat with someone online.

Child Protection

If you are concerned about the immediate safety of a child call the police on 000.

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) offers services for children and young people at risk of harm in Victoria. Visit Families and children – Child protection for more information about the service and contact details.

The Department of Communities and Justice offers services for children and young people at risk of harm in NSW. Visit Child protection services for more information about the service and contact details.

Kidsafe

Kidsafe provides information and education on preventing childhood accidents. Visit Kidsafe Australia for more information and contact details.