On this page are a list of key terms and definitions related to the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework and answers to frequently asked questions.
Key terms
Organisations - For the purposes of the Framework, an organisation is defined as an entity under the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act 2023. An 'organisation' also means sole traders that engage with children and young people. The Act defines organisations as providing services specifically for children or providing facilities specifically for use by children who are under the supervision of the entity.
Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act 2023 (The Act) - The Act to establish the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework.
Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework - The Framework is represented by the Child and Youth Safe Standards, the Reportable Conduct Scheme, the Independent Regulator and Information sharing provisions.
Child and Youth Safe Standards - Ten principles that organisations must put into practice when they engage with children and young people. In putting the Child and Youth Safe Standards into practice, organisations must also give effect to a Universal Principle for Aboriginal Cultural Safety.
Universal Principle for Aboriginal Cultural Safety - The Universal Principle applies to all 10 Standards. The Universal Principle says organisations must provide an environment that ensures that the right to Cultural Safety of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children is respected.
Reportable Conduct Scheme - A compulsory scheme that requires leaders of certain organisations to report — and investigate — concerns about conduct related to child abuse involving a worker to an independent regulator.
Independent Regulator - An independent regulatory body that will oversee the Framework, and make sure organisations have the support, advice, and education they need to do the right thing.
Information sharing provisions - Specific rules written into the law that mean leaders of organisations covered by the Framework are permitted to share personal information in certain circumstances.
Child - a person who has not attained the age of 18 years.
Young person (youth) - a person who has attained the age of 16 years but has not attained the age of 18 years.
Deputy Regulator - a person who assists the Independent Regulator and can undertake the functions or powers of the Independent Regulator in times of vacancy.
Organisation - An entity as described under Section 5 of the Act.
Entity - a relevant body that provides services specifically for children or provides facilities specifically for use by children who are under the supervision of the entity.
Head of entity/organisation - this can be the chief executive officer (CEO) of the entity (however titled or described), if there is no CEO, the principal officer of the entity. If there is neither, this can be someone in the entity who is nominated by the entity as its head and approved by the Independent Regulator. For a government agency, this is the head of Agency within the meaning of the State Service Act 2000 , or the delegate of the Head of Agency. This can also be someone as prescribed in the the regulations of the Act.
Reportable allegation - information that leads a person to form a reasonable suspicion that a worker of an entity has committed reportable conduct, whether or not the alleged reportable conduct occurred within the course of the worker's duties in respect of the entity, and regardless of whether the alleged reportable conduct occurred before the commencement of the Act.
Reportable conduct - emotional or psychological harm, neglect, physical violence, a relevant offence, sexual misconduct, sexual offence, as described in the Act.
Reportable conviction - a conviction for an offence that involves reportable conduct, regardless of whether the conduct or conviction occurred before the commencement of the Act.
Worker - paid employee, volunteer, contractor or other meaning as described in section 8 of the Act
Independent investigator - an independent body or person that has appropriate qualifications, training, or experience, to investigate reportable allegations or reportable convictions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework only about child sexual abuse in organisational settings?
- Even though the idea for the Framework came out of the Royal Commission (which focused on child sexual abuse), the Framework in practice aims to address all forms of harm to children and young people.
Can organisations choose if they want to follow the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework or not?
- Specific organisations are required by the law to comply with the Framework. However, all Tasmanian organisations should strive to be safe for children and young people.
Is there an accreditation or certification scheme linked to the The Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework?
- The Framework is not an accreditation scheme. The point of the Framework is for organisations to be continuously working to be child and youth safe.
Does the leader of an organisation have to notify the Independent Regulator of any reportable conduct once becoming aware of it, even if the alleged conduct is historical in nature?
- If reportable conduct happened a week ago or multiple years ago the leader of the organisation must report it to the Independent Regulator when they become aware. For example, a leader of an organisation may become aware of historical reportable conduct after undergoing training to identify types of reportable conduct.
Making a report to the Independent Regulator under the Reportable Conduct Scheme means the organisation will have to discipline or let go a worker.
- The fact of reporting to the Independent Regulator will not compel an organisation to take a predetermined action, such as letting someone go. The organisation must report all reportable conduct to the Independent Regulator, undertake an investigation, and take suitable action.
Learn more about:
Seeking help?
We encourage anyone affected by, or with concerns about, child sexual abuse or other types of child abuse to access advice and support.
Tasmania:
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For information about child wellbeing and safety, contact
Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line:- Phone: 1800 000 123
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For free and confidential support for people who have been affected by sexual violence, contact the Tasmanian Sexual Assault Support Line (24 hour response state-wide):
- Phone: 1800 697 877
- This line is run by the Sexual Assault Support Service in the South, and Laurel House in the North West.
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For information and support for children, young people and adults affected by family violence, contact
Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:- Phone: 1800 608 122
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For free and confidential support for people impacted by crime, contact Victims of Crime Service:
- Phone: 1300 300 238
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For support for relationships and to live positive lives, contact Relationships Australia Tasmania:
- Phone: 1300 364 277
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For culturally appropriate, trauma-informed legal and non-legal services and assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims/survivors of family violence and sexual assault, contact SIS.
- Phone: 1800 747 827
National:
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For domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling and support, contact
1800RESPECT:- Phone: 1800 737 732
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For short-term support if you are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe, contact Lifeline:
- Phone: 13 11 14
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For free professional phone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide living in Australia, contact Suicide Call Back Service:
- Phone: 1300 659 467
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For information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention for everyone in Australia, contact Beyond Blue:
- Phone: 1300 224 636
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For information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma, contact
Blue Knot Foundation:- Phone: 1300 657 380
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For counselling and support for Australian men, contact MensLine Australia:
- Phone: 1300 789 978
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For advice for men about family violence, contact Men's Referral Service:
- Phone: 1300 766 491
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For free 24/7, confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years, contact Kids Helpline:
- Phone: 1800 55 1800