Child Safety

Two girls with googles on and one boy without googles

City of Parramatta has proudly developed a Child Safe Community Code of Conduct in partnership with our community. The Code is an important part of Council's child safe approach and framework. It outlines the behaviours and attitudes expected of all adults when interacting with children and young people at Council facilities, services, programs and events.

The Code supports the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, which emphasise the importance of creating environments where children and young people feel safe, respected and supported. Clear expectations for how adults interact with children help prevent abuse, promote positive behaviour and encourage people to report concerns.

You can view the Code below and see it displayed at Council facilities. The Code applies to anyone using a Council facility, service or venue. It establishes a collective approach to child safety across all Council facilities because keeping children safe is a shared responsibility.

Report a Child Safety Concern

If a child or group of children is at immediate risk of significant harm (ROSH)

  • Contact Police on 000.

To report a crime or request non-urgent police assistance

  • Contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or visit Crime Stoppers NSW.

For non-emergency child-related concerns or reports, contact Council's Child Safe Triage Team:

  • Phone: 9806 5021

Child Safe Community Code of Conduct

The safety of children is the primary focus of this Code of Conduct. Concerns may be raised by parents, carers, children, young people or community members.

This Code of Conduct applies to all people and organisations using Council facilities and services, including Early Learning Centres, libraries, community centres, recreation centres and venues for hire.

For the purpose of Council's Child Safe Framework, a child is defined as anyone under 18 years of age.

We will:

  • Treat children and young people with respect and value their ideas and opinions.
  • Act as positive role models in our interactions with children and young people.
  • Avoid any unnecessary physical contact with a child or young person.
  • Contact Police on 000 if a child is at immediate risk of harm.
  • Report concerns where there are reasonable grounds to believe a child or young person is at risk of significant harm. Reports can be made to a Council staff member or the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111.

We will not:

  • Shame, humiliate, dominate, belittle or degrade children or young people.
  • Unlawfully discriminate against any child or young person.
  • Engage in any activity that is likely to physically or emotionally harm a child or young person.
  • Intentionally undress in front of, or expose ourselves to, a child or young person.
  • Flirt with, or make comments of a sexual nature to, a child or young person.
  • Make jokes or suggestions of a sexual nature.
  • Develop a "special" relationship with, or groom, a child or young person for personal benefit.
  • Photograph or video a child or young person without appropriate consent from the child and their parent or guardian.
  • Engage in discussions of an adult or mature nature in the presence of children where inappropriate.
  • Use inappropriate language in the presence of children.
  • Force a child or young person to do something against their will.
  • Have unnecessary contact with a child or young person outside of your care or responsibility.
  • Use mobile phones for photography or video recording in change rooms or toilet facilities.
  • Record, store or distribute images or information about a child or young person beyond the scope of the consent provided.
  • Silence or discourage the reporting of misconduct or concerns.
  • Interact with children or young people while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

 

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