Child protection and safeguarding are central to Compassion's mission.

Every child has the right to grow, develop and thrive in a safe environment. Compassion has zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to protecting the safety, wellbeing and dignity of every child involved in our programs.

Christ-centred: We believe every child is created in God's image and deserves to be safe, valued and protected. We are committed to protecting children from harm and helping them reach their God-given potential.

Child-focused: The best interests of the child guide our decisions and actions. We believe all children have the right to be safe, heard, respected and protected.

Church-based: Local churches play an important role in creating safe environments for children and young people. Through training, support and advocacy, we work with our church partners to strengthen safeguarding practices and help protect vulnerable children from abuse.

How Compassion protects and safeguards children

In countries where Compassion delivers programs:

• Specialist Child Protection Staff members are employed at each national office.
• Background checks and robust child protection training are required for all staff and volunteers who have contact with children and/or child information, including hiring and onboarding for contractors.
• Training and community awareness seminars help to educate community leaders, caregivers and parents about child protection practices.
• Child protection responsibilities are embedded in every job description and at every child development centre.
• Child protection practices are integrated into key processes at all levels: local, national and international.

In Australia:

• Background checks and robust child protection training are required for relevant staff, volunteers and contractors.
• Children’s personal information and privacy are protected through rigorous practices.
• Background checks, such as working with children checks or police checks, are undertaken before visitors visit Compassion assisted children.
• Trained local staff members accompany visitors to child development centres.
• A comprehensive Child Protection Code of Conduct must be agreed to by every visitor from Australia when they visit a Compassion assisted child.

How we ensure children are protected

We are committed to demonstrating effective safeguarding and child protection practices at all levels of the organisation, including:

• Providing specific interventions when needed
• Providing on-the-ground training for all staff and volunteers
• Maintaining a secure, anonymous reporting and follow-up system for abuse and misconduct
• Screening and review processes for sponsor communications before they reach program participants
• Facilitating safe communication through secure technology and systems
• Holding firm to a commitment from the entire organisation to maintain every child and family’s privacy and dignity

Do you have a concern about child protection?

If you have a concern about child safety issues in Australia or overseas, please contact us.

You can do this in one of two ways:

You can contact our Child Protection Officer by email at risk@compassion.com.au

Alternatively, you can report your concern under our Whistleblower Policy. This Policy allows you to report anonymously if you wish.

Whichever way you contact us, be assured that we will take your concerns seriously and will investigate thoroughly and provide you with a response in writing. We will also take care to keep your identity confidential and only reveal it where necessary.