Keeping Children and Young People Safe at CRCS
Annual Report 2025 - 2026
Capital Region community Services (CRCS) applies a safeguarding-first approach across all programs and is committed to the Child Safe Standards and to building a child safe culture. The safety, rights and best interests of children and young people are the paramount consideration in all decisions, actions and operations involving children and young people. This principle prevails over all other considerations, including financial, operational or administrative concerns, as well as adult preferences or convenience.
Safeguarding is embedded in our everyday practice and guides how we work across our programs, services and community spaces.
In 2025-26, we strengthened our organisation-wide approach through the appointment of a dedicated Program Manager – Safeguarding and Quality. This role provides focused leadership across CRCS, supporting consistent safeguarding practice and building capacity, quality improvement and a strong culture of accountability.
This included:
- regular site visits, audits and practice reviews across programs and services
- updates to safeguarding policies, procedures and processes
- support and guidance for employees and leaders
- regular safeguarding updates
- mandatory annual training
- continued alignment with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
- timely review of relevant processes following February 2026 reforms to the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations
- ongoing engagement with Children’s Education and Care Assurance, NSW Early Learning Commission, NSW Education, ACT Government and relevant stakeholders.
This work also includes careful recruitment and screening, clear professional standards, safe environments, and processes for raising and responding to concerns. Above all, keeping children and young people safe means supporting their wellbeing, listening to them, respecting their rights and voices, and creating spaces where they feel safe, included, supported and able to participate.
Explore More of Our Impact
Each part of our work is connected. Explore more stories, programs and results from across the Annual Report.