Child Safety Policy
Child Safety at Our Family Respite
Our Family Respite is proud to be registered as a Statutory Out-of-Home Care (SSRC) Provider with the Office of the Children’s Guardian.
This registration recognises that we have met all the required standards for child safety, governance, and care practices. We have undergone a comprehensive assessment process and demonstrated our commitment to creating safe, nurturing environments for children and young people. Being SSRC registered reinforces our dedication to child safeguarding and our ongoing responsibility to uphold the highest standards of care.
Our Commitment to Child Safety
Our Family Respite – Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
At Our Family Respite, the safety, wellbeing, and voice of every child in our care is our highest priority.
We provide respite care in real family homes – not clinical group facilities – creating nurturing, consistent environments where children feel safe, valued, and genuinely cared for. This unique model means our commitment to child safety is not just policy; it’s personal. Every respite arrangement is grounded in trust, respect, and relationship, and supported by robust child-safe practices.
We are unwavering in our dedication to:
- Creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for children of all backgrounds and abilities
- Embedding child safety into every aspect of our operations, from carer recruitment to daily routines
- Upholding zero tolerance for abuse, neglect, or harm
- Listening to children, believing them, and ensuring their voices guide the support they receive
- Collaborating with families, therapists, and care teams to build continuity and protection around every child
- Complying with all child safety legislation and standards, while going beyond minimum requirements in practice
All Our Family Respite carers are thoroughly screened, trained, and supported to uphold the highest standards of care. As a community of extended families, we hold ourselves accountable for protecting and championing every child we welcome into our homes.
Child safety is not a box we tick. It is the foundation of who we are.
Our Child Safe Practices
Child safety is embedded in every aspect of what we do. We ensure this through:
– Thorough carer screening (WWCC, NDIS Worker Screening, Police Checks)
– Regular carer home visits and spot checks
– Clear Code of Conduct for all staff
– Mandatory child protection and safety training
– Open communication and complaint pathways for children and families
– Risk assessment processes at each stage of carer and client onboarding
– Regular 3-month participant check-ins to gather feedback directly from children
How to Report a Concern
We encourage all participants, families, and carers to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Concerns or complaints can be reported:
– Directly to our Complaints Manager
– Through our Complaint or Feedback Form (anonymous option available)
– By contacting the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
– Or by speaking to any member of our staff
All concerns are taken seriously and investigated promptly, with updates provided to relevant parties.
Key Documents and Resources
We are proud to operate with transparency and accountability. The following policies are available on request:
– Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy
– Code of Conduct
– Risk Management Procedures
– Complaints Management Policy
– Participant and Carer Onboarding Process
Hearing From Our Young Participants
Children are encouraged to share their views. We offer:
– A welcoming and familiar environment where children feel safe to speak up
– Communication tools suited to the child’s needs, including visuals and written prompts