Safeguarding: protecting children and adults engaged with Red Cross

Child safeguarding

We are a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance for child abuse. We value, respect and listen to children and are committed to supporting child safety and wellbeing in our work.

We embed a child safe culture across our work through the following principles:

• We are committed to ensuring all children of all abilities, identities, backgrounds and circumstances are safe, strong and respected in all that we do. We work to ensure our practice is culturally respectful, inclusive and accessible for all children, families and communities.
• We are committed to supporting child wellbeing, resilience and safety and protecting children in line with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
• We value, respect and listen to children. The best interests and views of children are central to our decision-making and actions. We are committed to upholding the rights of the child and to applying the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• We have no tolerance for any form of child abuse. We are committed to working in partnership with children, families and communities to support early intervention, reduce vulnerability and prevent harm to children.
• We act in accordance with Australian legal standards and obligations, the relevant laws of other countries in which we operate, and international legal conventions, declarations and agreements on children’s rights and protection.

Adult safeguarding

Safeguarding applies not only to children but also to adults engaged with Red Cross. All Red Cross people have an obligation to do no harm. We are committed to improving the wellbeing and safety of those adults with whom we interact, particularly anyone experiencing vulnerability or depending on Red Cross support and services.

• We are committed to ensuring all people of all abilities, identities, backgrounds and circumstances are safe, strong and respected in all that we do. We work to ensure our practice is culturally respectful, inclusive and accessible.
• We are committed to providing a safe environment free from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
• We recognise that the nature of the work undertaken by Red Cross places us in contact with adults experiencing vulnerability. All Red Cross people, suppliers, contractors and partners have an obligation to uphold the highest standards of personal and professional conduct and must not use their position to exploit or abuse people.
• We are committed to contributing to ending all forms of modern slavery and reducing any possibility that we may cause, contribute to, or be directly linked to risks of modern slavery practices within our supply chains and operations
• We comply with all relevant legislation, accreditation and practice standards, including Aged Care Quality Standards, NDIS Practice Standards, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Accreditation, modern slavery and labour exploitation legislation.

Policies and related documents

The following polices and related documents help guide us in protecting the safety and wellbeing of everyone we engage with.

Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct

Child Safety and Wellbeing Handbook

Charter of Commitment to Children and Young People

Client Service Charter

Redress Scheme and information on homes managed by Red Cross

For more information on how Red Cross ensures it protects the rights of all people accessing our services, please contact the Practice and Safeguarding Team on safeguarding@redcross.org.au.

We are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring that the individuals and communities we work with have a strong voice at Red Cross. If you have any feedback or concerns about Red Cross services or activities, please contact us, email contactus@redcross.org.au or call 1800 733 276.

Get help

If you need immediate support, 24-hour telephone assistance is available through:

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Lifeline 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

1800RESPECT 1800 737 732

MensLine Australia 1300 789 978

If you have feedback or concerns about Red Cross services or activities, contact us, email contactus@redcross.org.au or call 1800 733 276.