Our commitment to child safety and wellbeing
Latest News · 5th July 2021

Our commitment to child safety and wellbeing

Samaritans has been providing services to children, young people, and their families for over 30 years. We believe the upholding of the rights, best interests, and the safety and wellbeing of all children is paramount.

An outcome of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommended ten child safe standards. These recommendations are reflected in the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations which were endorsed by members of the Council of Australian Governments, including the Prime Minister and state and territory First ministers in 2019. The principles aim to provide a nationally consistent approach to creating organisational cultures that foster child safety and wellbeing. Samaritans is proud to be a Child Safe Organisation and we have worked diligently this year to comply with the National Principles.

Our commitment to child safety and wellbeing applies to all employees, volunteers, students, contractors, and clergy, to do everything possible to provide an environment that promotes child wellbeing and prevents harm. Click here to read our statement.

“Samaritans is a large organisation that interacts with children and young people in lots of different ways. This is why it takes all members of Samaritans team to keep children and young people safe.”
Louise Cossettini, Samaritans Child Safety and Wellbeing Specialist

Samaritans has committed to taking action to protect children and young people by implementing the ten National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. A child safe organisation is one that creates a culture, adopts strategies, and takes action to promote child wellbeing and prevent harm to children and young people. Samaritans has specific policies and procedures and systems in place to meet our obligations, and importantly, a culture of openness that supports all persons to safely disclose risks of harm to children.

Statement of commitment 2021