Holy Fools Inc. is committed to the safety and well-being of every child and young person who engages with our programs and services. We operate in accordance with the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 and are guided by Victoria’s 11 Child Safe Standards, which shape everything from how we run our programs to how we train our people.

We have zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect, or harm of any kind. Any suspected abuse or maltreatment must be reported internally and to the relevant external authorities, including Victoria Police and Child Protection. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 000.

We believe children and young people deserve to be heard. We actively create opportunities for them to have a voice in decisions that affect them – not just to be present, but to genuinely participate and shape their experience with us.

We recognise that families and communities play a vital role in keeping children safe. We keep them informed about how we work and welcome their input into our child-safe approach.

We acknowledge the history and ongoing impact of colonisation on First Nations peoples, and we are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. We also understand and actively work to address the additional barriers faced by children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disability, and LGBTIQ+ children – responding to individual needs to ensure inclusion, empowerment, and well-being.

We support the rights and safety of children who cannot live at home, including those in kinship care or other out-of-home arrangements.

All volunteers and staff working with children are appropriately screened, and we provide ongoing training to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities under our child safe approach.

We have a child-focused complaints process so that children, families, and community members can raise concerns and know they will be taken seriously. To provide feedback or raise a concern about child safety, please call us on 1300 133 889 or contact us through our website.

We are committed to regularly reviewing and improving our child-safe practices to ensure they remain effective and reflect current standards.