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Responsibilities as a service provider
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All NDIS service providers must create a child-safe environment.

Every service provider has to meet certain requirements.

As well as upholding the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, everyone who works with children and young people, in any capacity, has legal and/or ethical responsibilities to help keep them safe and report concerns.

What are the mandatory reporting requirements for your state or territory?

The Australian Institute of Family Studies have developed this resource to help you identify the requirements for your state or territory.

Australian Institute of Family Studies (state and territory)

https://aifs.gov.au/resources/resource-sheets/mandatory-reporting-child-abuse-and-neglect 

Australian Institute of Family Studies

Things to consider as a service provider

Have we included child safety risks when conducting risk assessments?

Do we have child-friendly & accessible feedback and complaints processes? 

Do we need to undergo training and provide it to staff, contractors and volunteers to ensure we are upholding our child safeguarding responsibilities? 

Where can we find out more about how to do this work?  

Are we aware of what our mandatory reporting obligations are?

Do we have a policy and process for reporting concerns?  

How do we promote child safety in our organisation?

How do the children and young people we work with and their families know what kind of behavior is/is not appropriate from staff? 

All service providers must understand their responsibilities under the laws in their state or territory. You can find international, national, state and territory child safety resources through the button below.

Australian Human Rights Commission's Child Safe website

Risk of Harm

If you believe a child or young person is experiencing abuse or neglect, you should report it. 

You do not need to be certain that there is abuse or neglect of a child or young person to contact the authorities. If you are unsure, call the relevant authority to discuss your concerns.

Child abuse and neglect refers to any behaviour or treatment by parents, caregivers, other adults or older adolescents that could cause or does cause actual physical or emotional harm to a child or young person.

These behaviours may be intentional or unintentional and can be face-to-face or online.

If you believe a child or young person is in immediate danger, contact the police on 000.

Reporting child abuse and neglect is everyone’s responsibility.

If you need to report abuse or harm
This image shows four young people walking together inside what appears to be an office or community workspace. They are smiling and appear to be enjoying each other's company. The atmosphere seems inclusive and casual, with posters on the wall and computers in the background.

What you must do

Your organisation must:

  • assess risks
  • have child-friendly feedback systems
  • provide appropriate staff training
  • have a clear process for reporting concerns.

In this section, we’ll explore how you can be a child-safe NDIS provider and share resources that can help you do so.

There’s a lot to understand about being a child safe NDIS service provider.

Check out the pages below for more information on each topic.
Responsibilities As A Service Provider