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Child Safety and Wellbeing

Bayside is proud to be a child safe organisation.

By working together, we can help keep children safe.

  • If something doesn’t feel right, report it.

  • If a child is in immediate danger, call 000 and ask for Police.

Our commitment

Bayside City Council has zero-tolerance towards abuse and neglect of children and young people. We are committed to the rights of all children and young people to feel safe and be safe when participating in our organisation’s activities, services and programs.

Our commitment to child safety is supported by all levels of the organisation including Councillors, CEO, Executive Team, people leaders, staff, volunteers, agency staff and contractors.

When and how to report concerning conduct

If you are concerned about the conduct of a Council staff member, volunteer or contractor towards a child or young person report it:

Lodge a Child Safe Incident Report Form. 

A Child Safe Contact Officer at Council can help you fill out a Child Safe Incident Report Form.

By phone: contact our customer service team (03) 9599 4444 and ask to be put through to a Child Safe Contact Officer 

By email childsafe@bayside.vic.gov.au.

If you speak a language other than English, call 131 450 for translation and interpretive services TIS National.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can call us through the National Relay Service (NRS):

  • TTY users can phone 133 677 then ask for (03) 9599 4444
  • Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech) users can phone 1300 555 727 then ask for (03) 9599 4444
  • Internet Relay users can connect to the NRS then ask for (03) 9599 4444

 

If you are concerned about the conduct of a community member towards a child, there are a few organisations you can contact:

You see or hear something that is concerning, and you are not sure what to do or who to tell.
Commission for Children and Young People
1300 78 29 78
contact@ccyp.vic.gov.au

You see or hear something that seems suspicious, makes you feel uncomfortable and requires further investigation.
Crime Stoppers
1800 333 000

You receive a disclosure from a child about abuse or neglect, or observe indications of abuse or neglect.
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Child Protection
Metropolitan Southern: 1300 655 795
All regions after hours: 131 278

You’re made aware of the possible harm to a child.
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Child Protection
Metropolitan Southern: 1300 655 795
All regions after hours: 131 278

You have formed a reasonable belief that a child is experiencing sexual and/or physical abuse.

Victorian Police
Bayside: (03) 8530 5100
Cheltenham: (03) 9583 9225
Moorabbin: (03) 9556 6565
Mordialloc: (03) 9588 2187

OR

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Child Protection
Metropolitan Southern: 1300 655 795
All regions after hours: 131 278

Victorian Child Safe Standards

The Victorian Child Safe Standards work to:

  • prevent child abuse within our services, events, programs and facilities
  • set clear expectations and training for our staff, volunteers or contractors
  • ensure all suspected abuse is reported and fully investigated and
  • create a culture where child safety and wellbeing is part of everyday practice.

These are the  Child Safe Standards organisations are implementing.

Support services

There are many services providing confidential assistance and support to people who have experienced abuse, along with those concerned about themselves or others.

(24 hours) Kids Helpline is a free, confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years. You can speak to them over the phone, via email, or even on-line live chat. Phone: 1800 551 800.

 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) Phone: 03 8601 5884.

The National Redress Scheme provides support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

Phone: 1800 737 377.