Child Safety
Child Safe Organisation
Mosman Council is committed to being a Child Safe Council and to providing safe, inclusive environments for children and young people who participate in Council programs, activities or visit Council facilities.
On 24 November 2025 Council adopted an updated Child Safe Policy, which sets out our commitment to a child safe culture and outlines the expectations of Councillors, staff, volunteers and external facilitators who engage with children and young people through Council services or facilities.
Our commitment to child safety
Mosman Council is committed to:
- Creating environments that are safe, welcoming and inclusive for children and young people
- Ensuring children and young people are listened to and treated with respect
- Supporting staff, volunteers and facilitators to understand their responsibilities in keeping children safe
- Taking all concerns about child safety seriously and responding appropriately
What the Child Safe Policy covers
The Child and Youth Safe Policy outlines Council’s approach to child safety, including:
- Creating child safe physical and online environments across Council
- Recruitment and screening requirements for staff and volunteers working with children
- Clear expectations for professional behaviour through Council’s Child Safe Code of Conduct
- Clear processes for reporting, responding to and managing child safety concerns
- Implementation of the 10 National Child Safe Standards, as required under NSW legislation
Governance and continuous improvement
Child safety is supported through Council’s governance and leadership arrangements, including a Child Safety Committee that provides oversight, monitoring and advice on safe practices across Council. This ensures the safety of children and young people remains embedded in Council operations and is reviewed and improved over time.
External facilitators and service providers
Mosman Council works with a range of external facilitators and service providers in the delivery of community programs.
Council expects all contracted external providers involved in activities with children and young people to uphold child safe principles, comply with relevant legislation, and act in accordance with Council’s child safety expectations.
Specific requirements are applied based on the nature of the engagement, level of supervision and degree of contact with children.
How to report child protection concerns
If a child is in immediate danger, call Police on 000 (triple zero).
If you believe a child or young person is at risk of harm from abuse or neglect, contact the NSW Child Protection Helpline on 132 111.
You can also report child safety concerns involving a Mosman Council Councillor, employee, contractor or volunteer by contacting:
- Phone: (02) 9978 4000 (8.30am–5pm, Monday to Friday) and ask to speak with the Manager Community Services or Manager People & Culture
- Email: childsafe@mosman.nsw.gov.au
- In person: Request a meeting using the contact details above
All concerns are treated seriously and handled in line with Council’s reporting obligations and legislative requirements.
External Resources
Child Protection Helpline
If you think a child or young person is at risk of harm from abuse or neglect, the Child Protection Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone 132 111.
NSW Communities and Justice
The Department of Community Justice (DCJ) works with children. They are committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and protecting them from risk of harm, abuse and neglect.
The Office of the Children’s Guardian
The Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) regulate and oversee organisations in NSW to uphold children and young people’s right to be safe.
Support services
Confidential counselling is available for people of all ages by telephone or online.
Kids Helpline
The Kids Helpline is for children and young people aged 5 to 25 year. All issues are confidential, and phone counselling is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone 1800 55 1800
- Webchat Counselling is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
headspace
headspace is for 12 to 25 year olds for all issues. Phone counselling or on-line chat with a clinician is available 9am – 1am, 7 days a week.
- Phone 1800 650 890
- Ways to Connect with headspace.
Lifeline
All ages, all issues. Counselling is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone 13 11 14
- Online chat service
- Lifeline text service, SMS 0477 131 114.
Beyond Blue
All ages, all issues. Phone and online chat counselling is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone 1300 22 4636
- Online chat service.
Blueknot
Adults who have experienced childhood trauma and abuse. Helpline and support service, 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week.
- Phone 1300 657 380