Child Safety and Wellbeing

The Country Education Partnership (CEP) is committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people. We believe every child has the right to feel safe, be respected, have their voice heard and participate in learning and community activities free from abuse, harm and discrimination.

As an organisation supporting rural and remote education communities, CEP recognises the important role that schools, families, community organisations and education partners play in creating safe environments for children and young people. We are committed to working collaboratively with our members, partners and stakeholders to promote child safety and wellbeing across all aspects of our work.

CEP maintains a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and neglect. We expect all staff, volunteers, contractors, presenters, partners and other representatives involved in CEP activities to uphold child-safe practices, act in the best interests of children and young people, and respond appropriately to any concerns about their safety or wellbeing.

We are committed to:

  • promoting a culture where children and young people are respected, valued and listened to;
  • ensuring children and young people are encouraged to express their views and concerns;
  • supporting inclusive, culturally safe and accessible participation;
  • identifying and managing risks to child safety;
  • ensuring concerns, disclosures and allegations are taken seriously and responded to promptly and appropriately;
  • meeting our legal and ethical responsibilities in relation to child safety and mandatory reporting; and
  • regularly reviewing our practices to strengthen child safety and wellbeing.

If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person in connection with CEP, please contact us at mark@cep.org.au or on 0488032457. If a child is in immediate danger, call 000. Concerns about child abuse or neglect should also be reported to the appropriate child protection authority.

CEP is committed to continuous improvement and to working with our rural and remote communities to ensure child safety remains a shared responsibility.