When it comes to our children, safety is always the number one priority. That’s why Australia has clear guidelines in place to make sure every organisation that works with children is committed to keeping them safe. These are called the Child Safe Standards and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
What are the Child Safe Standards?
The Child Safe Standards are a set of rules that help organisations create safe and supportive spaces for children. They make sure that:
Children’s best interests always come first.
Child abuse is never tolerated.
Every child’s rights are respected.
Concerns about safety are always taken seriously.
Everyone feels confident to speak up if something’s not right.
Every organisation is different, so the way the standards are put into practice may look a little different from place to place. What matters is that children are protected, respected, and cared for in every setting.
The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
Across Australia, the National Principles guide how organisations should keep children safe. These principles cover not just physical safety, but also emotional and cultural safety. That means children should always feel supported, no matter who they are or where they’re involved.
Each state has its own way of putting these principles into practice. In NSW, for example, the Child Safe Scheme follows the National Principles—so when an organisation meets the state requirements, they’re also meeting the national ones.
Why this matters for families
As parents and carers, knowing that the organisations your child is part of follow these standards gives peace of mind. It means:
Your child’s wellbeing is at the centre of everything.
Their voice is heard and valued.
The organisation is legally and ethically committed to safety.
At the end of the day, the Child Safe Standards and National Principles are about more than rules—they’re about creating safe, happy, and supportive places where children can thrive.
View the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian Guide to the Child Safe Standards to learn more: