On the way to becoming child safe; a package of tools and resources currently under development to support local governments take active steps to prevent harm to children.
The risk of child sexual abuse and other forms of abuse vary from institution to institution, and local governments in Western Australia are as diverse as they come.
To create conditions that reduce the likelihood of a child experiencing harm in organisations, conscious and systematic effort is required. This effort aims to empower children and young people, their families, the broader community and all local government employees with knowledge and understanding of how to identify and report harm, as well as respond appropriately when disclosures, allegation or suspicions of harm arise.
Working in partnership with the sector, the Local Government Child Safeguarding Package will include practical tools and resources that help progress efforts and develop local government capability as child safe organisations.
Package materials will be informed by broad feedback and input from the sector and key community stakeholder groups following a period engagement commencing from October 2025 and throughout 2026. The resources are then expected to be available in the first half of 2027.
As part of establishing a knowledge base of child safeguarding practice in local government context, a project reference group of local government officers are working with the department to develop case study examples and identify critical success factors to establishing child safe cultures.
The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety invites you to join other local government colleagues within your zone in attending an in-person workshop focused on child safeguarding practice in a local government context.
Attendance is in-person at host local governments to engage with Department staff, ask questions, and make the most of networking opportunities. Small groups of 3-5 representatives from each local government are encouraged to secure maximum benefit.
If you’re a local government staff member looking to learn more about child safeguarding in your organisation, this session is for you.
Confirm which zone your local government is in on the WALGA website.
Can’t see anything hosted within your Zone and interested to get involved? Complete the below online form and a member of our Project team will be in touch.
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The Local Government Child Safeguarding Project Email csproject@lgirs.wa.gov.au