Child Safety Standards: What’s Changing (and What’s Always Been True at IDSS)

darciemoore2
Oct 8
2 min read

Child Safety Has Always Been Part of How We Work

At Integrated Disability Support Services (IDSS), keeping children and young people safe has always been central to what we do, in our after-school programs, holiday activities, and every space where young people learn, play, and grow.

Two children in colorful uniforms walk on a path in a park. One holds flowers and a water bottle, both smiling. Sunny, serene setting.

From 1 October 2025, new Child Safe Standards came into effect in Queensland under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024. These standards set out how organisations working with children should create safe, inclusive environments and respond to concerns.

For us at IDSS, these aren’t new expectations, they reflect the way we already work.

Safety at the Heart of Everything We Do

Whether it’s our after-school programs, holiday activities, or support services, every IDSS space is designed to be safe, inclusive, and empowering.

We build trust through play, laughter, and learning, but behind every fun moment is a strong framework of child protection. Our team is trained, vetted, and supported to uphold the highest standards of care. We listen to kids’ voices, keep families informed, and make sure every environment feels like a safe place to just be themselves.

About the New Child Safe Standards

Queensland’s 10 new standards (and a Universal Principle for cultural safety) set out what it takes for organisations to truly embed child safety into their culture. That includes:

Leadership & culture – safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Children’s participation – young people are encouraged to speak up and shape decisions.
Family & community involvement – families are informed and empowered partners.
Equity & inclusion – every child’s background, identity, and needs are respected.
Safe environments – physical and digital spaces are designed to reduce risk.
Continuous review – always learning, improving, and staying accountable.

The Universal Principle also calls for culturally safe environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, ensuring they always feel welcomed, safe, valued, and respected.

Key Changes Under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024

A few key updates are being rolled out across the early childhood and care sectors:

Allegations or incidents of abuse must now be reported within 24 hours (previously seven days).
Vaping is banned in service environments.
A new Reportable Conduct Scheme will start on 1 July 2026, outlining how organisations must investigate and respond to concerns of harm.

Our Ongoing Commitment

We’ve always taken child safety seriously, and we’ll continue to uphold the Child Safe Standards across all our programs and services.

“Integrated Disability Support Services is committed to upholding the Child Safe Standards by ensuring a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where all children and young people are protected, respected, and heard.”

We’ll keep reviewing how we work, supporting our staff, and listening to children and families — because everyone deserves to feel safe and supported at IDSS.