From 1 October 2026, NSW private health facilities that provide services to children and young people will have new responsibilities under the NSW Child Safe Scheme and Reportable Conduct Scheme.
New child safety obligations for NSW private health facilities
Introduction
The requirements apply to facilities licensed under the Private Health Facilities Act 2007 that provide services to anyone under 18—even where children and young people are treated only occasionally.
Private health facilities will need to:
- implement the 10 NSW Child Safe Standards
- review and strengthen child-safety policies and procedures
- establish clear processes for identifying and reporting reportable allegations
- ensure staff understand their responsibilities
- nominate appropriate responsibility for child-safety governance and reporting
- maintain evidence that child-safe systems and practices are being implemented
- notify and respond to reportable allegations in accordance with the scheme.
How ChildSafe can assist
ChildSafe Australia can help private health facilities understand their new responsibilities and put practical systems in place. Support can include:
- child-safety readiness and gap reviews
- policy and procedure development
- NSW Child Safe Standards implementation
- reportable conduct procedures and guidance
- staff, leadership and board training
- child-focused complaints and reporting processes
- child-safety risk assessment and governance support.
