Child Safe Policy
- Last Updated: Sep 2026
Introduction
Kowanj Australasia Limited is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and respectful environments for all children and young people who engage with our organisation, programs, events, services, volunteers, staff, and partners.
We believe every child has the right to feel safe, heard, respected, and protected from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, and violence.
As a community-led organisation working with refugee, migrant, and culturally diverse communities, Kowanj recognises the importance of culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches that support the wellbeing, dignity, and participation of children and young people.
This policy reflects our commitment to child safety in line with Australian child protection principles and the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Promote and protect the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
- Prevent child abuse, neglect, harm, discrimination, and exploitation
- Establish clear expectations for staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners
- Create culturally safe and inclusive environments
- Ensure concerns and complaints are taken seriously and responded to appropriately
- Support ongoing education, awareness, and accountability regarding child safety
Scope
This policy applies to:
- Employees
- Volunteers
- Board members
- Contractors and consultants
- Students and placement participants
- Partner organisations working with Kowanj
- Anyone representing Kowanj Australasia Limited
This policy applies across all Kowanj programs, services, activities, events, online engagement, and community partnerships.
Our Commitment to Child Safety
Kowanj Australasia Limited is committed to:
- Treating all children and young people with dignity, fairness, and respect
- Listening to children and valuing their voices
- Creating environments where children feel safe and included
- Taking all allegations, disclosures, or concerns seriously
- Responding quickly and appropriately to child safety concerns
- Supporting culturally safe participation for refugee, migrant, and CALD communities
- Ensuring staff and volunteers understand their child safety responsibilities
- Maintaining zero tolerance for child abuse or misconduct
Child Safe Principles
Respect and Inclusion
We support environments where children and young people feel:
- Safe
- Valued
- Included
- Supported
- Heard
Kowanj recognises and respects cultural diversity, language differences, identity, faith, gender, and lived experiences.
Cultural Safety
We acknowledge that children from refugee and migrant backgrounds may face additional barriers, including trauma, displacement, language challenges, and social exclusion.
Our approach prioritises:
- Cultural understanding
- Trauma-informed engagement
- Respectful communication
- Community-led support
- Inclusive participation
Participation and Voice
Children and young people are encouraged to:
- Express concerns safely
- Participate in decisions affecting them
- Provide feedback about programs and services
- Speak with trusted adults within the organisation
We are committed to listening and responding respectfully.
Code of Conduct
All staff, volunteers, and representatives of Kowanj must:
- Treat children respectfully and professionally
- Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times
- Avoid behaviour that may harm, shame, intimidate, or exploit a child
- Use positive and appropriate language
- Follow organisational procedures and supervision requirements
- Report any concerns relating to child safety immediately
The following behaviour is not acceptable:
- Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or intimidation
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Sexual comments, behaviour, or grooming
- Use of abusive or offensive language
- Ignoring or dismissing child safety concerns
- Unauthorised contact with children outside approved activities
Recruitment and Screening
Kowanj Australasia Limited is committed to safe recruitment practices.
Where relevant to the role, we may require:
- Working With Children Checks
- Reference checks
- Interviews and screening
- Child safety induction and training
- Agreement to organisational policies and codes of conduct
Any person who poses a risk to children will not be engaged by the organisation.
Reporting Concerns
All child safety concerns, allegations, disclosures, or incidents must be reported immediately.
Concerns may include:
- Abuse or neglect
- Grooming behaviour
- Inappropriate conduct
- Unsafe environments
- Breaches of this policy
Reports can be made through:
Email: info@kowanj.com.au
Phone: 0474 760 948
Where required, Kowanj may report concerns to relevant authorities, child protection services, or law enforcement agencies.
Responding to Concerns
Kowanj Australasia Limited will:
- Take all reports seriously
- Respond promptly and respectfully
- Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the child
- Maintain confidentiality where appropriate
- Follow legal and reporting obligations
- Support affected individuals throughout the process
No person will be disadvantaged for raising a genuine concern in good faith.
Online Safety
Kowanj recognises the importance of protecting children in online and digital environments.
We aim to:
- Use appropriate online communication practices
- Protect personal information and privacy
- Monitor online interactions connected to programs and activities
- Prevent inappropriate online behaviour or exploitation
Training and Awareness
Kowanj will support ongoing child safety awareness through:
- Staff and volunteer induction
- Child safety training
- Policy reviews and updates
- Clear reporting procedures
- Ongoing supervision and support
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, current, and aligned with legal and community expectations.
Contact Information
Kowanj Australasia Limited
552 Victoria St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Email: info@kowanj.com.au
Phone: 0474 760 948
