Girl Guides Learning : Foundations of GGA Child Safe Child Friendly Framework
Girl Guides Australia is part of the World Association for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
GGA adheres to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
GGA has adopted the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
These form the foundations of the Girl Guides Australia Child Safe Child Friendly Framework
United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child
WAGGGS is committed to fulfilling children’s rights, including their rights for protection, as articulated by the UN Convention.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an important agreement made by governments around the world, including Australia. It ensures that every child, no matter who they are, where they live, or what they believe, has certain rights.
In 1989, most countries in the United Nations agreed on 54 rights that every child under 18 should have to live a safe, healthy, and happy life. These rights are all connected, equally important, and cannot be taken away from children.
The four core principals of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Everyone is equal (Article 2)
Whatever their age, gender, culture or belief, every child has rights.
Do what is best for the child (Article 3)
Adults should always consider the impact of their decisions on children.
Everyone has the right to live and grow (Article 6)
Every child has the right to live. Governments should make sure children can grow up healthy.
Children’s opinions matter (Article 12)
Every child can share their thoughts and feelings. Adults should listen and take them seriously.
National Principles for ChildSafe Organisations
In February 2019, the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations were approved by the Council of Australian Governments, including the Prime Minister and state and territory leaders. These principles aim to create a consistent approach across the country to ensure child safety and well-being in organizations.
The National Principles are based on ten childsafe standards recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. They are designed to implement these recommendations and also address other types of potential harm to children and young people, not just sexual abuse.
The National Principles are:
- Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
- Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
- Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
- Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
- People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
- Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child focused.
- Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
- Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
- Implementation of the national child safe principles is regularly reviewed and improved.
- Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.