Discussion Prompt 2 Child Safe Standards 2–6 The Royal Commission heard evidence that relates to: Standard 2—policy Standard 3—code of conduct In case study 12, the Royal Commission heard evidence that 1999 to 2005, the school’s environment was ‘…from such that, in respect of the reporting of sexual abuse, possible sexual abuse or other inappropriate behaviours: School staff and one parent who gave evidence were not aware of any written policies or guidance on the • procedure to report child sexual abuse or other inappropriate behaviours. School staff received limited or no training or education in understanding the indicators of child sexual abuse • and inappropriate behaviours or in reporting child sexual abuse and inappropriate behaviours. School staff and parents were not always kept informed of the school’s response when concerns were raised • with the school. There was evidence of a culture at the school where some of the staff members and one parent felt that, if they • raised concerns about another staff member, they may be ostracised by parts of the school community’ (case study 12). Discussion Points Is our code of conduct and statement of commitment to safety publically available? What can we do to • make these more accessible? , clauses 8–9 Has the school community been informed about our child safe policy and how to access it? • , clause 8(2). Do we support, encourage and enable school staff, parents, and children to understand, identify, discuss • and report child safety concerns? , clause 8(1)(b)(ii). How do we support or assist children who disclose child abuse, or are otherwise linked to suspected child • abuse? Can we do more? , clause 8(1)(b)(iii). How will we keep staff and parents informed of our school’s response if child safety concerns have been • raised? Review , clauses 8–9. How has our school complied with all the requirements? •
Discussion Prompt 2 Child Safe Standards 2–6 The Royal Commission heard evidence that relates to: Standard 2—policy Standard 3—code of conduct In case study 12, the Royal Commission heard evidence that ‘…from 1999 to 2005, the school’s environment was such that, in respect of the reporting of sexual abuse, possible sexual abuse or other inappropriate behaviours: • School staff and one parent who gave evidence were not aware of any written policies or guidance on the procedure to report child sexual abuse or other inappropriate behaviours. • School staff received limited or no training or education in understanding the indicators of child sexual abuse and inappropriate behaviours or in reporting child sexual abuse and inappropriate behaviours. • School staff and parents were not always kept informed of the school’s response when concerns were raised with the school. • There was evidence of a culture at the school where some of the staff members and one parent felt that, if they raised concerns about another staff member, they may be ostracised by parts of the school community’ (case study 12). Discussion Points • Is our code of conduct and statement of commitment to safety publically available? What can we do to make these more accessible? , clauses 8–9 • Has the school community been informed about our child safe policy and how to access it? , clause 8(2). • Do we support, encourage and enable school staff, parents, and children to understand, identify, discuss and report child safety concerns? , clause 8(1)(b)(ii). • How do we support or assist children who disclose child abuse, or are otherwise linked to suspected child abuse? Can we do more? , clause 8(1)(b)(iii). • How will we keep staff and parents informed of our school’s response if child safety concerns have been raised? • Review , clauses 8–9. How has our school complied with all the requirements?
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