Are you compliant with new SA Department of Human Services Child Safe compliance requirements?

The Department of Human Services (DHS) in South Australia requires that every optometry business in the state  — from sole traders to partnerships and multi-staff practices — must now formally demonstrate child-safe compliance.

Reviewing your policy, lodging your statement, and keeping simple records are straightforward steps that protect children, your patients, and your practice.

Key updates in 2025

• All organisations, including sole traders and partnerships, must now lodge a Child-Safe Environments Compliance (CSEC) statement.
• A new CSEC statement must be lodged each time your child-safe policy or procedures are reviewed or updated.
• Policies must be reviewed at least every five years and align with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
• Failure to lodge can attract a penalty of up to $10,000.
• You don’t need to upload your CSEC policy when lodging, but must provide it within seven days if DHS requests it.

What this means for your locum or optometry practice

If you see children or young people for any service, from general eye exams to school screenings, you must have a child-safe environments policy, review it at least every five years, and lodge a compliance statement each time it’s updated. These obligations apply to all optometrists and entities, regardless of size or how often you see children. Locums should check that host practices have lodged a current statement and have policies in place, and sole traders must complete their own.

Staying compliant

Lodge your CSEC statement online via the DHS website under the correct category (sole trader or organisation). Keep the confirmation PDF, update your policy as required, and ensure you or your team understand and follow it.

Embed simple steps like staff training, safe interactions, and clear reporting procedures into daily practice.

Revised checklist for 2025 – what you should do now

1. Review your policy – has it been updated in the last five years?
2. Lodge or re-lodge your CSEC statement after any review or update.
3. Locate your confirmation PDF and store it safely.
4. Check compliance at any locum site before commencing work.
5. Brief staff (or yourself) on the policy and code of conduct.
6. Set reminders for your next review and lodgement cycle.
7. Be ready to provide your policy within seven days if DHS requests it.

For a complete checklist and summary of your requirements, visit the DHS website here.