Alerts

  • The content on the following pages makes reference to child abuse, including sexual abuse, which some readers may find confronting. Support is available from Kids Helpline, Lifeline and Beyond Blue. 
    All references to 'child' means a child or young person under 18.

Introduction to Child Safety

Children and young people have the right to feel safe; their safety and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone. We all have an obligation to keep children and young people safe from harm and abuse.

At Merri-bek we support and encourage the empowerment and participation of children and young people. We aim to create a child safety culture and are continually working to ensure we have child safe and friendly environments where children and young people are heard, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

If you believe a child or young person is in immediate danger call 000 (triple zero) and ask for the police.

To speak to someone who can help with child safety issues at Merri-bek City Council, or to report a child safe issue or incident, please call 9240 1111 and ask to speak with a Child Safe Officer.

Child Safety Commitment Statement

Merri-bek City Council is committed to being a Child Safe organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We believe children and young people have the right to be and feel safe and that their safety and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone. All child safe incidents will be treated seriously and responded to promptly.

At Merri-bek we support and encourage the empowerment and participation of all children and young people. As an inclusive organisation we recognise and respect diversity. We are committed to providing culturally safe environments where all children and young people are heard, respected and encouraged to reach their full potential.

We recognise the distinct history and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and their families and encourage the expression, enjoyment and sharing of their cultures.

Plain English version of Council's Child Safe Commitment Statement

Translated (7 Community Languages) Council's Child Safe Commitment Statement

Merri-bek’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

Council's Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy outlines our commitment to child safety and wellbeing and identifies what will we do to 
empower children and young people and keep them safe and protected from harm and abuse.