Child Safe Action Plan

Sutherland Shire Council is a child safe organisation. We have prepared a Child Safe Action Plan acknowledging our responsibility and commitment to ensuring children and young people have safe and happy experiences in our community while accessing Council facilities, engaging in programs and when in our care. The Plan addresses actions we will take over the next 12 months to improve practices further.

The Plan was informed following the exhibition and adoption of our Child Safe Organisation Policy in August 2023. Council also led an organisation wide self-assessment to identify strengths and any gaps in child safety practices.

Our Plan aligns to the 10 Child Safe Standards within the Children's Guardian Act 2019. It states Council's commitment to creating an environment where:

• children’s safety and wellbeing is at the centre of thought, values and actions
• we create conditions that reduce the likelihood of harm to children and young people
• we respond to any concerns, disclosures, allegations or suspicions of harm respectfully and appropriately.

Have your say

We are seeking feedback to ensure our plan meets the needs of our community. You can provide feedback until 29 September 2024:

• Online by taking the survey below
• Email feedback to ChildrensServices@ssc.nsw.gov.au
• In writing to Children’s Services, Sutherland Shire Council, Locked Bag 17, Sutherland 1499.

Next steps:

Following community consultation, Council will review and consider all feedback. Some changes may be made to the plan. It will then be finalised and reported to Council for adoption. We will keep interested members of the community updated.