Child safety

Listen

Knox City Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community.

Our commitment

The safety of children and young people is everyone’s responsibility.

Every child has the right to be safe and feel safe.

There are many ways we can contribute to creating safe environments that support children to be protected from harm, abuse and neglect so they can survive, grow, learn and develop to their fullest potential.

The wellbeing and safety of children and young people in our care will always be our priority.

Knox City Council has zero-tolerance of child abuse. We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and friendly organisation where all children are valued and protected from abuse.

Child Safe Policy

Our Child Safe Policy guides our commitment to protect children and young people.

Child Safe Standards

The Victorian Child Safe Standards apply to all organisations working with children in Victoria, including Knox City Council.

More information about the Victorian Child Safe Standards can be found on the Commission for Children and Young People’s website.

What to do

If a child is in immediate danger call the police on 000 (Triple Zero).

For immediate concerns and to report abuse, contact:

the Police on 000 (Triple Zero), and/or
the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) on 1300 360 391 (business hours) or 13 12 78 (after hours).

How to report a concern

Any concerns about a Knox City Council employee, Councillor, volunteer or contractor's behaviour or conduct towards a child or young person will be treated seriously.

To notify Council of any concerns you can:

make an online complaint
email [email protected]
call 9298 8000 and ask to speak to a child safety officer.

You can also contact the Commission for Children and Young People at [email protected] or call 8601 5884 (Monday to Friday).

Why reporting is important

Reporting child abuse is the important first step in helping children who are experiencing abuse and neglect.
Abuse can have a devastating impact on the lives of children. Failure to report means that the child may continue to experience abuse.
Taking action ensures that children and families get the help and support they need.
When concerns, disclosures or allegations are not acted upon, the perpetrator may continue abusing children.
When working directly with children and young people or in a role with only incidental or minimal contact, we all have ethical and legal obligations to protect children and young people and report all forms of child abuse.
If you witness an incident or form a reasonable belief that a child or young person has been abused, or is at risk of being abused, you must act.

Advice and support

Support is available at Knox City Council. You can call us on 9298 8000 and ask to speak to a child safety officer for:

concerns about a child’s health or safety
information about child safety.

Resources for parents and carers

Need help?

Or call our Customer Service team on 9298 8000.