21 February 2024

At Austin Health, we believe all children and young people have the right to feel safe and be always kept safe.

We have zero tolerance for any form of child abuse and commit to protect children from all forms of physical and emotional violence, injury or abuse, neglect, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse.

To strengthen our commitment, we are proud to launch a video demonstrating this while also empowering children to speak to us about concerns.

“We take allegations of abuse and neglect seriously and will make every effort to mitigate and to respond to risk in line with hospital policy and procedures. This video is one way we help educate our patients on what they can do and who they can speak to if they’re feeling unsafe,” says Brit Gordon, Chief Allied Health Officer and Executive Sponsor.

“This is vital to demonstrate visually to children attending our service, they will be treated as an equal voice with their own rights. Many children will not read brochures or listen to an adult explaining service responses. A video is an excellent method to communicate and widen access,” says Rachel Sassi, Family Violence and Child Safe Program Lead.

This work forms part of our work in complying with Victoria’s 11 Child Safe Standards. These standards set out minimum requirements and actions that organisations must take to keep children and young people safe.

Austin Health staff are required under several Victorian legislations and Child Safety Standards; to contribute to the wellbeing and safety of all children who are treated, visiting or are children of our patients.

The collaborative commitment by Austin Health clinical staff, to early identification and assessment of child wellbeing and risk, has unquestionably led to the prevention of risk escalation and promoted wellbeing. This has improved safety outcomes for many of our child and parent -patients/consumers.

Read more about our commitment to child safety.