The NSW Child Safe Scheme, introduced under the Children’s Guardian Act 2019, sets out legal requirements for organisations working with children in New South Wales. Managed by the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG), the Scheme helps organisations create cultures where children and young people are safe, respected, and heard.
The Scheme is built around 10 Child Safe Standards, which align with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations but are adapted for NSW. These standards guide organisations to strengthen governance, policies, and everyday practice so child safety is embedded in every decision.
Many organisations find it challenging to interpret these standards in their unique context. ChildSafe Australia supports NSW organisations with tailored training, tools, and audits that make compliance achievable and meaningful.
NSW Child Safe Standards
Introduction
What the NSW Child Safe Standards Require
- Embed child safety in governance, leadership, and culture.
- Involve children and young people in decisions that affect them.
- Engage families and communities as partners in safety.
- Promote diversity and inclusion across all programs.
- Ensure all workers and volunteers are screened, supervised, and trained.
- Maintain accessible, child-focused complaint and reporting systems.
- Keep physical and online environments safe.
- Provide regular training and ongoing staff development.
- Review and improve child safety practices continually.
- Document and communicate clear child safety policies and procedures.
These standards are designed to drive cultural change — not just meet compliance. They encourage proactive prevention and accountability at every level of an organisation.
Who Must Comply
The NSW Child Safe Scheme applies to a wide range of organisations that deliver services or programs for children and young people, including:
- Schools, early childhood, and education providers
- Disability and health services
- Religious organisations and faith-based programs
- Out-of-home care and youth justice services
- Sporting, cultural, and community organisations
- Local councils, charities, and not-for-profit groups
Even organisations not formally required to comply are encouraged to adopt the standards as best practice for child safety and wellbeing.
Many of these organisations are also covered by the NSW Reportable Conduct Scheme, which requires them to report and investigate allegations of child-related misconduct by workers or volunteers.
Oversight and Enforcement by the Office of the Children’s Guardian
The Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) is the independent regulator overseeing the NSW Child Safe Scheme. It provides education, resources, and enforcement to ensure compliance.
- Supports organisations to understand and apply the 10 Child Safe Standards
- Conducts compliance monitoring, audits, and investigations
- Issues compliance notices and enforceable undertakings where needed
- Promotes improvement through education and collaboration
Organisations are expected to demonstrate active implementation of the standards — not just written policies. The OCG takes into account organisational size, service type, and risk level when assessing compliance.
Getting Started with Child Safe Compliance in NSW
- Understand the 10 Standards and how they apply to your organisation.
- Ensure all staff and volunteers have valid Working With Children Checks (WWCC).
- Develop or update your Child Safe Policy, Code of Conduct, and Complaint & Risk Management Procedures.
- Identify risks in physical and digital environments and put control measures in place.
- Communicate your child safety commitment through leadership and everyday actions.
- Monitor, evaluate, and improve using OCG’s self-assessment and progress tools.
Applying the Standards to Your Organisation: ChildSafe Group Training
Every organisation is unique — and applying the NSW Child Safe Standards looks different in each setting. ChildSafe group training helps your team understand what the standards mean in practice for your programs, policies, and people.
Our interactive sessions bring your staff and volunteers together to explore real scenarios, assess risks, and plan next steps. Training can be delivered online or on-site and is tailored for sectors such as education, local government, sport, faith communities, disability, and youth services.
How ChildSafe Australia Can Help NSW Organisations
- Customised NSW Child Safe Training – practical learning for frontline staff, managers, and boards.
- Policy Templates and Compliance Tools – aligned to OCG’s standards and reporting requirements.
- Implementation Audits – assess your readiness and identify gaps.
- Consulting and Coaching – personalised advice on governance, culture, and risk management.
- Support for Reportable Conduct and Complaints Handling – ensuring your processes meet NSW legal expectations.
Learn more about the NSW Child Safe Scheme on the Office of the Children’s Guardian website
