Lions International is a volunteer, caring, ethical organisation, serving our local communities. We are committed to safeguarding children who use our services. We provide a safe, supportive and enriching environment that respects and fosters their dignity and self-esteem.

We do not tolerate child abuse or harm. This commitment is reflected in our Lions Australia Code of Conduct and Child Safe Policy. Lions Clubs in Victoria endorse the principles of Victoria’s 11 Child Safe Standards and related legislation.

We strive to create a culture of child safety that reduces opportunities for harm and neglect. We provide our members, children and families using our services, with straightforward processes to share child safety concerns and report abuse.We listen to children’s views and treat children of all backgrounds fairly and respectfully.

Our contact with children is generally infrequent. However, it is essential that Lions Clubs have a clear Child Safe policy, so members understand what to follow, particularly when distinguishing between Direct Contact with Children and Incidental Contact with Children.

The policy also describes acceptable behaviour when interacting with children. All members share responsibility for monitoring others’ conduct and interactions around children, and for reporting inappropriate behaviour to their entity’s leadership team where necessary.

If a child is in immediate danger, contact the Police on 000.

This information page is divided into four sections:

News – provides updates on Child Safe information and an index to past “The Buzz” articles on Child Safe matters

Policies & Standards – provides information on Victorian legislative requirements, the 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards, and Lions Australia (MD201) Child Safe and other policies.

Working With Children – provides information on Victoria’s Working with Children Check (WWCC) and Lions Australia requirements for WWCC

Terms – provides Child Safe definitions and information on key words used in other key documents

For more information or a Club Child Safe Policy template, please contact Tony Austin, Child Safe Resource Officer for Victoria, email: childsafe.vic@lions.org.au.