💬 Our Commitment
At Dog First Aid Australia, we are deeply committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, including children and young people. This policy outlines our approach to customer care and child safety, based on the 10 Child Safe Standards, the Universal Principle, and principles of cultural safety while ensuring canine welfare.
🤝 Customer Care Values
Respect: Every individual is treated with dignity, regardless of age, background, culture, gender, or ability.
Transparency: We communicate clearly, honestly, and openly with our customers.
Responsiveness: We listen and act promptly to resolve concerns and feedback.
Safety: Physical and psychological safety is our foundation—for humans and hounds.
🧒 Child Safety Policy Framework
We uphold the 10 Child Safe Standards as mandated by the Queensland Child Safe Organisations Act 2024:
1. Child Safety Embedded in Leadership, Governance & Culture
We ensure our leaders champion child safety by embedding it into our policies, code of conduct, risk assessments, and daily operations.
2. Children Participate in Decisions
We empower children and young people to express their views, ask questions, and be involved in shaping how we deliver child-inclusive programs.
3. Families & Communities Involved
We actively communicate with families, respect their insights, and work in partnership to support child safety and wellbeing.
4. Respect for Diversity & Equity
We provide culturally safe, inclusive services that respect the unique needs of every child, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
5. Recruiting Staff & Volunteers Suitably
All team members undergo Working With Children Checks (Blue Card), reference checks, and are trained in child safety policies and first aid training practices.
6. Staff Training & Support
All staff are trained in the 10 Child Safe Standards, first aid, and trauma-informed care. Ongoing learning is expected and supported.
7. Child-Friendly Complaint Processes
We provide clear, confidential pathways for children and families to make complaints or raise concerns—with no risk of retribution.
8. Safe Physical & Online Environments
We ensure that all spaces (including online learning portals) are secure, age-appropriate, and free from harmful materials or interactions.
9. Continuous Improvement
We regularly review our practices using incident reports, student feedback, and policy updates to ensure continual alignment with best practices.
10. Documented Policies & Procedures
All child safety procedures are clearly written, accessible, and reviewed annually.
🧭 The Universal Principle:
We are committed to upholding the cultural rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, including their right to connection with culture, community, and Country. This includes:
Recognising the unique strength of First Nations peoples.
Providing culturally appropriate care, staff training, and visual representation.
Consulting with Indigenous community members where relevant.
🔒 Confidentiality & Reporting
All concerns about child safety or wellbeing are taken seriously. If an allegation or incident is reported, it will be:
Responded to immediately,
Escalated through our Reportable Conduct System,
And managed in accordance with Queensland legislation and our internal procedures.
📞 Contact & Feedback
Questions or concerns about our Customer Care or Child Safety policies can be directed to: info@dogfirstaid.com.au
🐶 Final Bark
Caring for dogs is what we do—but caring for people is who we are. At Dog First Aid Australia, every child’s voice matters, every culture is respected, and every tail wag happens in a space of safety, trust, and love.
