We all want to keep our kids safe especially when they are being cared for by others. Below is a checklist of questions you can ask of your child-care providers and schools. Please ask these questions because as caring, safe adults we need to be our children’s voices in these spaces.
- Is there a code of conduct for staff and other parents?
- What checks are undertaken when employing staff and bringing in volunteers including other parents?
- What is the ratio of child to adult?
- Is a child ever left alone with an adult and out of view of others?
- Does the service have a specific approach to seeking references from recent employers?
- Does the service have a social media policy about how it manages children’s privacy?
- Is training provided to staff about the tactics of perpetrators, i.e. grooming of a child for sexual abuse, current statistics, what to do if there is a disclosure and reporting policies re peer on peer abuse?
- Is there training on how to listen and act on children’s expression of concern and/or noticing red flags in children?
- In Australia, do staff receive training in the National Child Safety Standards and how often is this training reviewed and updated?
- Is there a clear complaints policy?
- Do the staff know their obligations under mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse?
- Do the staff know what procedures to follow if they suspect or know of an adult sexually abusing a child?
- Do staff feel fully supported by management to express concerns about a child or an adult’s behaviours (including colleagues and other parents)?
- Do the children receive key body safety and consent skills?
- Do staff receive training in the language of body safety and consent and how to interact with children in a way that is respectful of the child’s body autonomy?
- Do parents have access to body safety and consent resources and presentations?
- What are bathroom safety policies and supervision of younger children who need help with toileting?
