Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework
This page has information about the establishment and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of Tasmania’s Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework (the Framework).
Read current information about the Framework on the Independent Regulator’s website. The Office of the Independent Regulator educates and oversees Tasmanian organisations who are required to comply with the Framework.
Background about the Framework
The Framework brings to life key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The Framework is a law to keep children safe in organisations. The Framework creates the Child and Youth Safe Standards, the Reportable Conduct Scheme, information sharing provisions and establishes the Independent Regulator.
The Framework is established under the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act 2023 (the Act). During the development of the Act, the Department of Justice facilitated several panels to inform the creation and implementation of the Framework.
The panels included:
- people with lived experience of child sexual abuse
- community services
- businesses, clubs and associations, and local government
- non-government schools and education sector regulators
- Tasmanian Government agencies.
Consultation also involved gathering the views of children and young people, including those with experience of out-of-home care.
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation
The Department of Justice has engaged an independent consultant (First Person Consulting) to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the Framework in Tasmania within its first three years of operation.
What is the evaluation trying to do?
The evaluation will assess the extent to which the Framework, as established by the Act, has promoted the safety and wellbeing of children and young people from all forms of harm in organisations.
This will include considering the extent the Framework has:
facilitated culture change in organisations whereby children and young people’s safety and wellbeing is prioritised
created conditions that reduce the likelihood of harm to children and young people
improved prevention and identification of harm
improved ability of organisations to conduct investigations of and responses to incidents or allegations of harm
and other relevant factors.
Isosceles Triangle 10, ShapeThe monitoring and evaluation project will also give consideration to information sharing provisions and collaboration, Aboriginal Cultural Safety and the Office of the Independent Regulator.
Key insights from early findings
In early 2024, a baseline survey was undertaken to capture data on the early stages of organisational and individual efforts to implement the Framework.
Results from the baseline survey provide comprehensive insights that will support organisations in complying with the Framework.
A summary of the baseline survey results is available.
How will the broader evaluation process work?
The evaluation will assess over time how organisations are progressing with the implementation of the Framework. Information gathered will measure the success of the Framework over a period of time, and whether any changes could be made.
A Monitoring and Evaluation Plan has been developed, which encompasses three phases of evaluation (formative, process, and outcome evaluation phases) to help assess how well the Framework is being put into action and what impact it’s having on safeguarding children and young people.
Methods used to collect data include surveys, interviews and data analysis.
Survey respondents and people that speak with evaluators will not be identified. All responses will be anonymous and will not be tracked to an individual or organisation.
Responses will be aggregated with that of other responses for reporting purposes. Some quotes may also be used.
What has the evaluation learned so far?
The first wave of research into the impact of the Framework has been released alongside the future monitoring and evaluation plan for the reform.
It comes after First Person Consulting conducted surveys of organisational leaders and staff in the Framework’s first few months.
How does the evaluation relate to other reviews?
This evaluation is likely to contribute to the review of the legislation that sets up the Framework, and that is required by the Act.
The monitoring and evaluation is expected to contribute to this assessment of the Act and the need for any further legislative change to the Act and the Framework overall.
The legislative review of the Act will be tabled in Tasmanian Parliament within four years of its commencement.
Evaluation findings will also contribute to recommendation 18.5 of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Response to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings, which emphasises the independent review of the Act, focussing on:
- the resourcing and function of the Independent Regulator
- support provided to organisations to implement the regulatory requirements
- information sharing between the Independent Regulator and other agencies
- the Universal Principle requiring organisations to uphold Aboriginal Cultural Safety.
What are the timelines for evaluation?
Having commenced at the start of 2024, the Framework will be monitored during the first three years of implementation.
Similar to other evaluation reports, the outcomes of the evaluation will be made publicly available.
Where to next?
Seeking help?
We encourage anyone affected by, or with concerns about, child sexual abuse or other types of child abuse to access advice and support.
National:
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For domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling and support, contact
1800RESPECT:- Phone: 1800 737 732
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For short-term support if you are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe, contact Lifeline:
- Phone: 13 11 14
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For free professional phone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide living in Australia, contact Suicide Call Back Service:
- Phone: 1300 659 467
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For information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention for everyone in Australia, contact Beyond Blue:
- Phone: 1300 224 636
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For information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma, contact
Blue Knot Foundation:- Phone: 1300 657 380
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For counselling and support for Australian men, contact MensLine Australia:
- Phone: 1300 789 978
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For advice for men about family violence, contact Men's Referral Service:
- Phone: 1300 766 491
- Phone: 1800 55 1800
Tasmania:
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For information about child wellbeing and safety, contact
Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line:- Phone: 1800 000 123
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For free and confidential support for people who have been affected by sexual violence, contact the Tasmanian Sexual Assault Support Line (24 hour response state-wide):
- Phone: 1800 697 877
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For information and support for children, young people and adults affected by family violence, contact
Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:- Phone: 1800 608 122
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For free and confidential support for people impacted by crime, contact
Victims of Crime Service:- Phone: 1300 300 238
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For support for relationships and to live positive lives, contact
Relationships Australia Tasmania:- Phone: 1300 364 277