
Our commitment to the safety of children
Gateway Health is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children at all of our sites and when we provide services in the community.
Our commitment to child safety is detailed within this statement, the Gateway Health Code of Conduct, and our Mandatory Reporting, Creating a Child Safe environment and Reportable conduct scheme procedures.
Gateway Health:
- believes that any form of child abuse or situations where children feel unsafe or are put in danger are unacceptable, and we will act quickly and strongly to respond to any allegations or threats of harm through appropriate channels
- provides services in a way that empowers children and encourages their participation in their healthcare, including a safe environment to make complaints and raise concerns
- is committed to the promotion of:
- the inclusion and cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
- the inclusion and cultural safety of culturally and linguistically diverse children
- the inclusion and safety of children with disability
- the inclusion and safety of LGBTIQA+ children
- the inclusion of parents, carers, families and guardians
- takes all reasonable steps to ensure we employ skilled, ethical and responsible people through various human resource checks and processes including mandatory Working With Children Checks and Police Record Checks for all staff and volunteers
- provides ongoing learning and professional development for staff and volunteers in current child safe practices and standards
- has processes for identifying, reducing and responding to risks of child abuse
- supports and complies with the principles 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 visit the Commission for Children and Young People.
If you think a child is in danger or at risk of abuse
call the Police on 000
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.