OUR Child Safe   COMMITMENT

At Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group (QHVSG), the safety, wellbeing and rights of children and young people are at the centre of everything we do.

At Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group (QHVSG), the safety, wellbeing and rights of children and young people are at the centre of everything we do.

We are committed to creating environments where children, young people and families feel safe, respected, valued, heard and supported. We believe every child and young person has the right to participate in services, activities and programs free from harm, abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination and exploitation.
We work in a way that is child-centred, trauma-informed, culturally safe and inclusive.
Every child and young person has the right to:
  • Feel safe and protected.
  • Be heard and have their views respected.
  • Be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
  • Receive services in an inclusive and supportive environment.
  • Understand information provided to them in a way they can understand.
  • Ask questions and raise concerns without fear.
  • Participate in decisions that affect them.
  • Have trusted adults who support and advocate for them.
  • Have their privacy and confidentiality respected where appropriate.

Our staff, volunteers and contractors are committed to maintaining professional boundaries, acting in the best interests of children, and upholding our Child Safe policies and procedures at all times.

Our staff, volunteers and contractors are committed to maintaining professional boundaries, acting in the best interests of children, and upholding our Child Safe policies and procedures at all times.

What Child Safety Means at QGVSG

QHVSG is committed to:

  • Embedding child safety and wellbeing into our leadership, governance and culture.
  • Providing child-focused, trauma-informed and strengths-based services.
  • Listening to children and young people and supporting their participation.
  • Promoting cultural safety, inclusion, diversity and equity.
  • Maintaining safe recruitment, screening and training practices.
  • Providing ongoing supervision, support and professional development for workers and volunteers.
  • Identifying and managing risks to children and young people.
  • Responding promptly and appropriately to concerns, complaints, allegations and disclosures.
  • Maintaining clear professional boundaries and ethical conduct.
  • Protecting personal information and privacy.
  • Continually reviewing and improving our child safe practices.

Children and Young People Have a Voice

At QHVSG, we encourage children and young people to speak up if they have questions, concerns, worries or complaints.
We are committed to listening respectfully and taking all concerns seriously.
Children and young people can speak with:
  • A QHVSG staff member.
  • A QHVSG volunteer.
  • Their support worker.
  • A parent, guardian or trusted adult.
  • Any other person they feel safe talking to.

If a child or young person tells us they are unsafe or uncomfortable, we will take appropriate action to support and protect them.

Inclusion and Cultural Safety

QHVSG values diversity and is committed to providing welcoming, inclusive and culturally safe environments for everyone.
We recognise and respect the unique strengths, experiences and identities of children, young people and families, including:
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families.
  • Children and young people with disability.
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
  • LGBTQIA+ children and young people.
  • Children and young people in care.
  • Children and families experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage.
  • Individuals from rural, regional and remote communities.

We actively work to eliminate barriers to participation and ensure all children feel respected, included and valued.

Our Child Safe Standards

QHVSG aligns its practices with:
  • Queensland Child Safe Standards.
  • National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
  • Relevant Queensland child protection legislation.
  • Human rights, privacy and safeguarding obligations.
Our policies, procedures and training help ensure every person connected with QHVSG understands their role in protecting children and promoting child wellbeing.

Feedback, Complaints or Child Safety Concerns

QHVSG encourages feedback and welcomes concerns about child safety, wellbeing or behaviour that may place a child at risk.
All complaints and reports are taken seriously and handled respectfully, confidentially and in accordance with our Child Safe Complaint Handling Procedure.
If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person connected with QHVSG, please contact us immediately.
07 3857 4744
admin@qhvsg.org.au

HOW OUr Services can help you

Family Support

PEER SUPPORT

COURT SUPPORT

EDUCATION

ADVOCACY

CAMPAIGNS

Our team offers 24/7 support, care, advocacy and education to all members of the community impacted by homicide in Queensland, regardless of their journey in life. Our team of employees and volunteers provide services in the avenues of family, peer and court support, as well as services in education, advocacy and campaign projects. QHVSG is not only a space for solace and support for those attempting to piece their lives back together after the tragic and senseless loss of a loved one; it is also a space for community and for commitment to victims’ rights in their journey.