The Best Interests of the Child #
The wellbeing and safety of children must be the primary consideration in every decision affecting Refugee Households with children.
At a glance #
- The best interests of the child should guide all decisions.
- Child safety must always be prioritised.
- Concerns about possible abuse or neglect must be reported to the appropriate government authority.
- Community Supporter Groups have an important role in protecting children’s wellbeing.
Prioritising the best interests of the child #
The best interests of the child should be considered in every decision that affects Refugee Households with children. This principle underpins the support provided through the CRISP and helps ensure that children’s wellbeing remains the highest priority.
Reporting concerns #
If a Community Supporter Group member has concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, particularly where there are concerns about possible child abuse or neglect, those concerns must be reported to the relevant government authority.
Where appropriate, Community Supporter Groups should also notify CRSA in accordance with the program’s critical incident reporting requirements.
“Every child has the right to be safe. Protecting a child’s wellbeing must always take precedence over any other consideration.”
