RTOs that deliver training to persons under 18 years of age are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards made under section 17 of the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005. This guideline enhances the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations in the 2025 Standards for RTOs. Victoria also has specific additional requirements regarding Aboriginal cultural safety.
Requirements
| a. | RTOs must confirm in writing to the VRQA if they deliver services to anyone under 18 years of age. If they do, they must: | |
| i. | have clear policies and procedures, supported by governance and operational arrangements, that comply with each of the 11 Child Safe Standards | |
| ii. | provide written notice to the VRQA if services to persons under 18 years of age substantially change during the registration period | |
| iii. | ensure agreements with third-party service providers require them to comply with the requirements of the Child Safe Standards. | |
Regulatory context: Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 and Education and Training Reform Act 2006
Explanatory notes
Overview of the Child Safe Standards
The 11 Child Safe Standards are:
- Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
- Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
- Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
- Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
- Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
- People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
- Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
- Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
- Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
- Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
- Policies and procedures document how the relevant entity is safe for children and young people.
Further support
The VRQA provides guidance to assist RTOs to comply with the Child Safe Standards.
Third-party agreements
An RTO is required to notify the VRQA of third-party agreements within 30 calendar days of the agreement taking effect. The RTO must confirm if the contracted third party is delivering services to persons under 18 years of age, and, if so, must confirm that third-party operations comply with the Child Safe Standards.
Updated