3. Policy statement
Safeguarding children and young people is everyone’s responsibility. Libraries Tasmania take steps to create public spaces that prevent and protect children and young people from harm and where the rights of children are upheld. We ensure that our staff are well-supported and understand their responsibilities and obligations to safeguard children and young people.
Libraries Tasmania staff are dedicated to helping visitors access library services and resources. They also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of both library visitors and staff and creating an enjoyable environment for everyone.
Libraries attract diverse crowds and library staff are not responsible for supervising children unless specified otherwise. Staff are mandatory reporters and are legally required to report any concerns about child abuse or neglect. Staff complete annual training in safeguarding and mandatory reporting to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe and to support a child-safe organisational culture.
Libraries Tasmania as part of the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP or ‘the department’), is committed to Our Safeguarding Framework: Safe. Secure. Supported. – DECYP which outlines the department’s comprehensive approach to safeguarding children and young people. This Policy specifically supports the department to meet Child and Youth Safe Standards:
- Standard 3: Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
- Standard 4: Equity is upheld, and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
- Standard 5: People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
- Standard 8: Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
- Standard 10: Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
