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Safeguarding at The Salvation Army
A Salvation Army officer warmly greeting a family of five on a path.

Safeguarding at the Salvos

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At The Salvation Army, we believe every person should feel safe, respected and valued. As a Christian movement, we follow the example of Jesus by creating safe and welcoming spaces and places where people can grow, belong and thrive.

Following Jesus’ example calls us to go beyond minimum standards. We take extra responsibility to ensure that every child and adult at risk is safe, valued, and protected — always.

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting people, especially children, young people and adults who may be more vulnerable from harm, abuse and neglect. It’s about making sure everyone can live safely, be treated fairly and feel supported.

We use the term “adults at risk” to describe people aged 18 or over who may need extra support to stay safe. This could be because of personal, social or environmental challenges. These risks might be temporary or ongoing.

Safeguarding is not just a legal responsibility, it’s part of how we care for people and build strong, healthy communities.

 

Why safeguarding matters

Safeguarding helps us:

  • Protect the people we serve
  • Build trust and safety in our spaces
  • Support our staff and volunteers
  • Respond well to concerns

 

Message from the Chief

Child rights

We support the rights of children and young people, as defined by the Australian Human Rights Commission:

    • Safety: To grow up healthy, have a home, and be treated fairly
    • Knowledge: To learn, ask questions and know their identity
    • Participation: To have a say and be part of their community

 

Everyone has a role

Whether you’re part of our team, attending a program, or visiting one of our sites, you have a role to play in keeping others safe. We follow the National Child Safe Principles, which guide how we plan, run and review everything we do - including online spaces and international development  programs.  We also take steps to protect adults at risk, with clear policies, training and a culture of openness and accountability.

 

Respect for first nations culture

We acknowledge and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, cultures and values. We believe in fairness and justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and celebrate their rich heritage and cultures.

 

Respect for all cultures

We want everyone to feel welcome. Our sites aim to be culturally safe places where people from all backgrounds feel respected, listened to, and free to make their own choices.

More about our inclusive practices

Our framework

We are committed, in both word and action, to the people and land of Australia. We seek to build reconciliation, strengthen unity, and promote fairness for all.
 
Our safeguarding framework is grounded in the teachings and mission of Jesus. It places love, justice, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every person at the centre of everything we do, especially in how we care for children and adults at risk.
Commitment

Commitment

We uphold effective governance, leadership and commitment to safeguarding.

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Empowerment

Empowerment

Empowering and educating personnel, children, adults, their families and communities.

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Prevention

Prevention

Practicing effective preventative measures.

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Response

Response

Responding appropriately to harm and abuse.

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Our policies and procedures

We have clear policies that guide how our staff and volunteers work safely. These are based on best practice and shaped by feedback from children, families and communities.

Key documents include:

You can share your thoughts or suggestions through our Feedback, concerns and suggestions page

 

Our code of conduct

Our code of conduct helps everyone understand how to behave safely and respectfully. It covers:

  • Language and clothing
  • Boundaries and relationships
  • Physical contact and privacy
  • Reporting concerns
  • Preventing grooming and misconduct

Find out more about what safeguarding means for children and young people, what you can expect from us, how to voice your ideas and what steps we take to protect you.

 

Continuous improvement

Improvement is important in all that we do.  We aim to give great care for those we serve through safe, effective, seamless and person centred services, activities and programs.  

We have a small national team of safeguarding experts who support our sites with training, advice, and tools. They help us stay up to date and make sure our spaces are safe and welcoming.

Did you know?

A child reports abuse

every 2 minutes

1 in 5 people

aren't sure how to spot signs of abuse

62% of Australians

have experienced child abuse

40% of
adult mental health

issues are linked to childhood abuse

Learn more from the Nature and cause | Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

For children and young people

What does safeguarding mean for children and young people (like you)? What you can expect from us, what steps we take to protect you and how you can voice your ideas.
Find out more