Child Safety & Wellbeing

Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

Every child has the right to be safe and feel safe. At Family Support Network, we are committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child who encounters our organisation.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse

The safety and wellbeing of children is central to our decision-making

We actively demonstrate our duty of care to children and young people by:

• Implementing the 10 Child Safe Standards
• Taking a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety
• Empowering children to participate in decisions that affect them
• Making sure children know who to approach if they feel unsafe or have concerns
• Empowering children and young people so they feel able to respond to behaviour that is not acceptable.

View our full Statement of Commitment to Child Safety.

Child Safe Policy

Our Child Safe Policy is part of our organisation’s ongoing commitment to protecting children who come into contact with our services from harm and abuse. All children at Family Support Network have a right to feel safe, protected and included.

Our Child Safe Policy outlines:

the child safe practices our organisation has in place to minimise the risks to child safety
what is required from staff, including volunteers and others who interact with our organisation, so they know what is expected from them to keep children safe.

View our Child Safe Policy in full.

Child Safe Code of Conduct

Family Support Network’s Child Safe Code of Conduct sets out how we expect adults in our organisation to behave around children to help prevent harm and abuse in our physical spaces and online. Our Child Safe Code of Conduct identifies:

‘I will’ child safe behaviours that we consider acceptable.

‘I won’t’ behaviours that we consider unacceptable.

Engaging in unacceptable behaviour is a breach of our Child Safe Code of Conduct and may result in disciplinary action.

All staff and volunteers are responsible for promoting the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children, and are required to read and agree to the Child Safe Code of Conduct before engaging with our organisation.

View our Child Safe Code of Conduct in full.

How to make a complaint

Family Support Network supports the voices and agency of children and young people. We uphold their universal rights to share thoughts and feelings freely, and for their concerns to be taken seriously.

As direct providers of services to children, young people and their families, everyone in our organisation has the right to make a genuine complaint and won’t be punished if they do. This includes children and young people, staff members and volunteers.

Family Support Network takes complaints seriously and we offer a fair and equitable process for handling and resolving complaints. Please contact us if you would like to access a copy of our Complaints Management Policy.

To share a concern or make a complaint, please contact us or complete our Compliments, Complaints and Suggestions form.

Family Support Network Inc is an organisation where reporting abuse is mandatory and encouraged – it is never obstructed or prevented. Contact us to view a copy of our Child Safe Reporting Policy.

Child Safety Resources

Office of the Children’s Guardian NSW Government agency providing information for parents and carers on child-safe services

National Office for Child Safety Australian Government website with resources (including child-friendly tools), information and support on child sexual abuse, as well as advice on how to report child safety concerns

eSafety Commissioner Australia’s independent regulator for online safety with information, tools and support for online safety risks, harmful content such as cyberbullying of children, and how to report online abuse or harmful, distressing online content

NAPCAN Resources, programs and training focused on the prevention of child abuse and neglect before it starts.

Child-Friendly Resources | Child Rights UNICEF child friendly resources on the Conventions on the Rights of the Child

54 reasons Australia’s leading child rights organisation, championing children’s rights to learn, develop, be safe, heard and belong.

Australian Human Rights Commission Children’s rights resources to ensure children and young people have a genuine say on issues that affect their lives.

Child Development & Wellbeing

Early Childhood Development

Early childhood development lays the foundation for lifelong learning, health and emotional wellbeing. We understand that the demands of raising children and managing family life can make it challenging to stay on top of research and advice for supporting your child’s development. Here are some key things to be aware of in the early years, along with a few helpful links to resources for ongoing support.

Serve and return

Early experiences play a crucial role in shaping how the brain develops. One essential aspect of this development is the ‘serve and return’ interactions children have with their parents, caregivers, and community members.

From a young age, children instinctively reach out and ‘serve’ to adults through babbling, facial expressions, and gestures. Responding to these signals—‘returning’ the sounds and gestures—is vital for early brain development. These back-and-forth exchanges help strengthen neural connections, supporting cognitive, emotional, and social growth during the crucial early years.

The first 2000 days

The first 2,000 days of a child’s life—roughly the first five and a half years—are crucial for their overall development. During this period, the brain is growing at an extraordinary rate, and the experiences a child has during these years significantly shape their cognitive, emotional, and social abilities.

Investing in the wellbeing of children during their first 2,000 days, through quality care, positive interactions, and learning opportunities, significantly influences their long-term outcomes in health, education, and social integration.

The Importance of Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education is one of the most important investments we can make in a child’s future. It not only supports development in the early years but also sets the stage for lifelong learning, health, and success.

Quality early childhood education helps children develop essential skills that directly links to future success in areas including:

Cognitive and academic capacity
Social and emotional development
Long-term physical and mental health
Language and communication fluency
School readiness, self-regulation and an enthusiasm for learning

This NSW Department of Education Learning Through Play guide offers ideas for fun educational activities you and your child can try at home, and information on how learning through play can help your child’s development.

Early Childhood Resources

Check out these great resources for guidance and information on supporting early childhood development and education:

Baby Development Milestones Tresillian resource with information for the first 2000 days of life.

Brighter-beginnings NSW Government factsheet on how to make a difference in the first 2000 years of life

Bringing Up Great Kids An extensive resource featuring development topics including emotional and social development, communication and play.

Raising Children Network Australian parenting website with resources for babies through to teens.

Emerging Minds Profiles covering developmental experiences for children (ages 0-12) and ways to support development and wellbeing.

StartingBlocks Information on parenting topics including child development, tips to encourage learning at home, and advice on early childhood education and care.

A parent and carer guide to choosing a safe place for children A video resource for parents with advice on choosing a safe childcare service or organisation.

SafeSpace parent and carer information guide A guide to support parents in choosing a safe service for children with a disability.