Commitment to child safety

Our commitment to child safety

Mercy Health holds a strong commitment to child safety, based on the following organisational principles:

  • zero tolerance of child abuse and neglect
  • listening to the voice of children
  • development and ongoing review of policies and procedures to protect children from abuse and neglect
  • a commitment to take all allegations of abuse and neglect against children seriously and to respond to them consistently and in line with Mercy Health’s child safe policies and procedures.
  • a recognition of the need to continually promote cultural safety and provide a safe environment for children of Aboriginal and culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with a disability.

Child Safe Standards

At Mercy Health, we are committed to creating environments where every child and young person feels safe, valued and protected. Across all Australian states in which we operate, we uphold the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, which provide a consistent, nation‑wide framework for safeguarding children and preventing harm.

While many of our services are designed for older people, children may still be present in homes, residential care settings or community environments. Because of this, we apply the Child Safe Standards with the same diligence as organisations whose primary role is to support children. These standards emphasise strong leadership, child‑focused practices, safe physical and online environments, and ongoing staff training.

By embedding these principles into everything we do, we ensure that Mercy Health remains a trusted, child‑safe organisation—one where safety and wellbeing are everyone’s responsibility, every day.

Child Safe Standards Vic

Child Safe Standards VIC By law, all Victorian organisations that provide services or facilities to children are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards. Mercy Health is morally and legally committed to meeting its compliance obligations under the Child Safe Standards. The 11 Standards are as follows: Standard 1: Organisations establish a culturally safe...
Child Safe Standards Vic

Child Safe Standards NSW

Child Safe Standards NSW 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. The NSW Child safe standards are as follows: Embed child safety in governance, leadership, and culture. Involve children and young people in decisions that affect them....
Child Safe Standards NSW