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Minimum standards

Registered training organisations (RTOs) that deliver training to anyone under 18 years of age must comply with the new Child Safe Standards from 1 July 2022.  For RTOs registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) this is detailed in the VRQA guidelines.

VRQA regulates compliance through compliance audits and complaints investigations.

What do RTOs have to do?

RTOs registered with VRQA must confirm in writing if they deliver, or intend to deliver, services to anyone under 18 years of age.

If they do, they must update their child safe strategies, policies, and practices.

They must create and maintain a child safe culture, and:

  • follow the VRQA guidelines
  • have clear policies and procedures, supported by governance and operational arrangements, that address each Standard
  • ensure agreements with third-party service providers require them to comply with the Standards.

Ready to get started?

This checklist helps RTOs comply:

RTO Child Safe Standards compliance readiness tool
docx 814.23 KB

    Guidance and evidence requirements for each Standard is also available.

    RTOs - culturally safe environments

    Respecting and valuing Aboriginal experiences and identities.

    RTOs - child safety and wellbeing

    Building a strong organisational child safe culture.

    RTOs - child and student empowerment

    Giving children and students a voice to speak up when something isn’t right.

    RTOs - family engagement

    Keeping families and communities informed and involved in promoting child safety.

    RTOs - diversity and equity

    Supporting children from different backgrounds, characteristics or beliefs.

    RTOs - suitable staff and volunteers

    People working with children are suitable and supported to understand child safety and wellbeing.

    RTOs - complaints processes

    Ensure that processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.

    RTOs - child safety knowledge, skills and awareness

    Building a child safe culture through training and information.

    RTOs - child safety in physical and online environments

    Helping children have safer and more positive experiences online and in person.

    RTOs - implementation of child safety practices

    Checking regularly that policies and procedures are up to date.

    RTOs - documentation of child safety practices

    Putting all the requirements of the Standards into action.

    Reviewed 24 June 2022

    Child Safe Standards

    Contact us

    VRQA

    +61 3 9637 2806
    vrqa.vet@education.vic.gov.au
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