661. Hon Alison Xamon to the Minister for Education and Training:
I note the recommendation by the Commissioner for Children and Young People that all schools have a child safe policy, and I ask:
(a) does the Minister support this recommendation;
(b) if no to (a), why not;
(c) how many Department of Education schools in Western Australia have a child safe policy;
(d) is there any intention to increase this number;
(e) is the department undertaking any work on child safe initiatives in 2018; and
(f) if yes to (e), please advise what work is being undertaken?
Hon Sue Ellery replied:
(a) Yes.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) All Department of Education schools are required to comply with the Department’s Child Protection policy, which requires all schools to ensure staff:
take all actions and make decisions based on the best interests of the child; apply child safe principles; and
report all concerns relating to possible child abuse and neglect.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) Yes.
(f) The Department is liaising with the Office of the Commissioner for Children and Young People to explore practical strategies and tools for schools to implement child safe practices in the context of the Child Protection policy.