MY COMITTMENT

CHILD SAFE STANDARDS

At Tara Leslie Art + Coaching, the safety and wellbeing of every young person who walks through our doors is a priority. Whether they're joining a local workshop, attending private tutoring, or participating in creative coaching, young learners deserve an environment where they feel safe, respected, and free to create.

I am committed to meeting the requirements of Queensland's Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 and the 10 Child Safe Standards introduced by the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC).

What Are the Child Safe Standards?

The Child Safe Standards were developed in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. They are now enshrined in Queensland law and apply to all organisations that work with or provide spaces for children and young people aged 17 and under.

As an art educator offering workshops and tutoring open to young people aged 12 and above, these standards apply to my business. I take that responsibility seriously.

Key Definitions

For the purposes of this policy:

  • Child / Young Person — A person under the age of 18 years.

  • Child harm or abuse — Any act or omission that results in physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological harm to a child, including neglect and exposure to domestic or family violence.

  • Mandatory reporting — A legal obligation under Queensland law requiring certain professionals and organisations to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the relevant authority (Child Safety Services or Queensland Police).

  • Cultural safety — An environment that is safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, where there is no assault, challenge, or denial of their identity, of who they are and what they need. It is about shared respect, shared meaning, shared knowledge, and the experience of learning, living, and working together with dignity.

  • Blue Card — A working with children check issued by Blue Card Services Queensland, required for individuals who work or volunteer in child-related activities.

  • Staff / Workers — Includes the business owner, any contractors, guest tutors, volunteers, or support workers involved in delivering programs.

How I Address the 10 Standards

Standard 1 — Child Safety Is Embedded in Leadership and Governance

Child safety is a core value of this business. It shapes how I plan workshops, structure lessons, and interact with every student. I stay informed about my obligations through ongoing training, including resources provided by the QFCC and NAPCAM.

Standard 2 — Children Participate in Decisions Affecting Them

Young learners are encouraged to have a voice in their creative journey. In lessons and workshops, I actively check in with students about their comfort, preferences, and boundaries. Their input shapes how sessions are run.

Standard 3 — Families and Communities Are Informed and Involved

Parents and caregivers are welcome to ask questions about how sessions are run, what safeguards are in place, and how their young person's wellbeing is supported. Open communication with families is a priority.

Standard 4 — Equity Is Upheld and Diverse Needs Are Respected

I work with learners of all abilities and backgrounds, including neurodiverse and disabled students. Sessions are adapted to meet individual needs, and every participant is treated with dignity and respect.

Standard 5 — People Working With Children Are Suitable and Supported

I hold a current Queensland Blue Card. Any contractors or support workers involved in my programs are also required to hold appropriate clearances and adhere to the same child safe expectations.

Standard 6 — Processes to Respond to Complaints Are Child-Focused

Every parent or caregiver has my direct contact details and is engaged in regular conversations with me about their young person's progress and wellbeing. This open, ongoing relationship means concerns can be raised naturally and at any time. If a young person or their family needs to raise a formal concern, they can use the contact form at the bottom of this page or email me directly at [email protected]. All concerns are taken seriously, handled sensitively, and responded to promptly.

Standard 7 — Staff Are Equipped With Knowledge and Skills

I engage in ongoing professional development around child safety, including training resources recommended by the QFCC and the Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership. This ensures I stay current with best practice.

Standard 8 — Physical and Online Environments Are Safe

Workshop venues are assessed for safety before each session. Online interactions, where applicable, follow clear guidelines to protect young participants. Privacy of student information is maintained in accordance with relevant requirements.

Standard 9 — Child Safe Standards Are Continuously Reviewed

Child safety is not a set-and-forget exercise. I regularly review and update my practices, policies, and procedures to ensure they remain effective and aligned with current legislation.

Standard 10 — Policies and Procedures Support Child Safety

A child safety and wellbeing policy underpins all aspects of my work with young people. This includes clear procedures for incident reporting, complaint handling, and emergency response. If you need to report an incident or raise a concern, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page or email me directly at [email protected].

Cultural Safety — The Universal Principle

Embedded across all 10 standards is the Universal Principle of cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. Operating in Outback Queensland, I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work, and I am committed to creating an environment where First Nations young people feel welcome, safe, valued, and respected.

Standard 1

Child Safety Is Embedded in Leadership and Governance

Child safety is a core value of this business. It shapes how I plan workshops, structure lessons, and interact with every student. I stay informed about my obligations through ongoing training, including resources provided by the QFCC and NAPCAM.

Standard 2
Children Participate in Decisions Affecting Them

Young learners are encouraged to have a voice in their creative journey. In lessons and workshops, I actively check in with students about their comfort, preferences, and boundaries. Their input shapes how sessions are run.

Standard 3

Families and Communities Are Informed and Involved

Parents and caregivers are welcome to ask questions about how sessions are run, what safeguards are in place, and how their young person's wellbeing is supported. Open communication with families is a priority.

Standard 4

Equity Is Upheld and Diverse Needs Are Respected

I work with learners of all abilities and backgrounds, including neurodiverse and disabled students. Sessions are adapted to meet individual needs, and every participant is treated with dignity and respect.

Standard 5

People Working With Children Are Suitable and Supported

I hold a current Queensland Blue Card. Any contractors or support workers involved in my programs are also required to hold appropriate clearances and adhere to the same child safe expectations.

Standard 6

Processes to Respond to Complaints Are Child-Focused

Every parent or caregiver has my direct contact details and is engaged in regular conversations with me about their young person's progress and wellbeing. This open, ongoing relationship means concerns can be raised naturally and at any time. If a young person or their family needs to raise a formal concern, they can email me directly at [email protected]. All concerns are taken seriously, handled sensitively, and responded to promptly.

What happens when a concern is raised:

  1. Acknowledge — The concern is acknowledged within 24 hours.

  2. Assess — I assess the nature and seriousness of the concern. If a child is at immediate risk of harm, I contact Queensland Police (000) or Child Safety Services (13 74 68) without delay.

  3. Respond — I take appropriate action, which may include adjusting practices, having a conversation with the parties involved, or making a formal report to an external authority.

  4. Record — All concerns and actions taken are documented and stored securely and confidentially.

  5. Follow up — I follow up with the person who raised the concern to ensure the matter has been appropriately addressed.

External reporting pathways:

  • Queensland Child Safety Services — 13 74 68 (24 hours)

  • Queensland Police Service — 000 (emergency) or 131 444 (non-emergency)

  • Queensland Family and Child Commission — qfcc.qld.gov.au

  • Office of the eSafety Commissioner — esafety.gov.au (for online safety concerns)

Standard 7
Staff Are Equipped With Knowledge and Skills

I engage in ongoing professional development around child safety, including training resources recommended by the QFCC and the Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership. This ensures I stay current with best practice.

Standard 8

Physical and Online Environments Are Safe

Workshop venues are assessed for safety before each session. Online interactions, where applicable, follow clear guidelines to protect young participants. Privacy of student information is maintained in accordance with relevant requirements.

Online Safety Practices:

  • Photography and video — Photos or videos of young participants are only taken and shared with prior written consent from a parent or caregiver. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

  • Social media — I do not follow, friend, or privately message students on personal social media accounts. Any social media interaction occurs through my professional business pages only.

  • Digital communication — Where communication with a young person is necessary (e.g., scheduling), it is done through a parent or caregiver, or with their knowledge and consent.

  • Data collection and storage — Personal information collected (e.g., contact details, health information, consent forms) is stored securely and only used for the purpose it was collected. I do not share personal data with third parties without consent.

  • Device use — Young people may bring personal devices to sessions. I set clear expectations at the start of each session about appropriate device use.

  • Online sessions — Where sessions are delivered online, I use reputable platforms with appropriate privacy settings. Sessions are not recorded without express consent.

Standard 9

Child Safe Standards Are Continuously Reviewed

Child safety is not a set-and-forget exercise. I regularly review and update my practices, policies, and procedures to ensure they remain effective and aligned with current legislation.

Policy review schedule: This policy is reviewed annually. The next review is due March 2027. The review will consider any legislative changes, feedback from families and young people, and lessons learned from any incidents or complaints. Tara Leslie is responsible for conducting the review.

Standard 10
Policies and Procedures Support Child Safety

A child safety and wellbeing policy underpins all aspects of my work with young people. This includes clear procedures for incident reporting, complaint handling, and emergency response. If you need to report an incident or raise a concern, please email me directly at [email protected].

Our Promises To You (Children)

Respect
We will treat everyone equally no matter where they are from or who they are. We will make sure everyone feels included and welcome.

Inform
We will give you information about your physical, emotional, and online safety, and what to do if you feel unsafe.

Give You a Voice
We will make sure there are lots of ways for you to have a say and be involved in how things are run.

Help
We will listen and act on what you tell us. We will help you with your hopes and dreams as well as your worries and fears.

Trust
You can trust that we will care about your needs and feelings and will support you. We will continue to get better at what we do.

Safety
We will make our space happy and comfortable for you.

Relevant Legislation and Frameworks

This policy has been developed with reference to the following legislation and frameworks:

  • Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld)
    Establishes the 10 Child Safe Standards as law in Queensland

  • Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld)
    Governs mandatory reporting obligations and the child protection system in Queensland

  • Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld)
    Establishes the Blue Card system for working with children checks

  • Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), Division 474, Subdivision C
    Covers online offences relevant to the safety of children

  • National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (2019)
    The national framework endorsed by all Australian governments, based on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

  • United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
    The international framework recognising the rights of every child to protection from harm, participation in decisions that affect them, and access to education and wellbeing

  • Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) Guidance
    Resources and implementation support for the Child Safe Standards

  • Office of the eSafety Commissioner
    National guidance on online safety for organisations working with children

Cultural Safety — The Universal Principle

Embedded across all 10 standards is the Universal Principle of cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. Operating in Outback Queensland, I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work, and I am committed to creating an environment where First Nations young people feel welcome, safe, valued, and respected.

Questions or Concerns?

If you'd like to know more about how I keep young people safe in my programs, or if you have any concerns to raise, please email me directly. [email protected]

This page reflects my commitment to compliance with the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld) and the 10 Child Safe Standards as outlined by the Queensland Family and Child Commission. For more information, visit qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe.

Last updated: February 2026 | Next review due: March 2027