At Australian Homestay Network (AHN), the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all students is central to everything we do.
We recognise that students under 18 are particularly vulnerable and require additional safeguards. For this reason, AHN applies enhanced screening, training and monitoring measures for placements involving minors.
We are committed to implementing best-practice child-safe standards and ensuring our policies, practices and host community uphold the highest levels of care, transparency and accountability.
State/Territory Standards | Child-Safe Policies & Practices at AHN | Rigorous Screening, Checks & Host Training | Staff Dedicated to Safe Homestays
Australia’s Child Safe Principles
AHN is committed to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission and endorsed by federal, state and territory governments. While these principles provide a national framework, each Australian state and territory implements its own regulatory schemes, reportable conduct frameworks, and Working with Children / Vulnerable People Check requirements. In many jurisdictions, the National Principles have been embedded into state-based Child Safe Standards, with additional local compliance obligations.
As a national organisation, Australian Homestay Network (AHN) ensures our offices align with state-specific requirements.
This means:
- Integrating the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations into all policies and operational procedures
- Complying with local Child Safe Standards and reportable conduct requirements
- Adhering to state-specific Working with Children Check and police screening requirements
- Meeting mandatory reporting obligations where applicable
- Assisting education providers in meeting welfare obligations for under-18 students
- Regularly reviewing and updating procedures in response to legislative changes
By maintaining national consistency while following local requirements, AHN ensures that every placement reflects best practices and regulatory awareness regardless of location.
State/Territory Standards
Child-Safe Policies & Practices at AHN
AHN publishes a suite of public policies that support child safety and wellbeing and help guide host families, guests, staff and partners:
✔ Homestay Policy
✔ Sexual Harassment and Abuse Prevention Policy
✔ Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Policy
✔ Critical Incident Policy
✔ Code of Conduct for U18s in Homestay
✔ Guest Placement Policy
✔ Selection Criteria for the Recruitment of Homestay Hosts
✔ Complaint Management Policy
All policies are publicly available at au.homestaynetwork.org/policies.
Every AHN placement is supported by:
✔ Professional 24/7 emergency support line for guests, hosts and partners.
✔ Clear expectations provided before, during and after placement.
✔ Accessible complaint and escalation pathways.
✔ Guest orientation and access to online resources.
✔ Training, recertification and online resources for hosts.
Rigorous Screening, Checks & Host Training
AHN’s host selection and ongoing support processes are designed around safety and wellbeing:
Suitability Checks
After submitting a detailed application and host profile, prospective hosts must undergo a home inspection and interview. This helps ensure they have a genuine interest in welcoming international students to Australia and that AHN is providing safe, appropriate accommodation.
AHN’s unique guest/host matching system connects international students with a suitable host based on common interests and profile compatibility.
Mandatory Screening
All hosts and permanent residents who meet the age requirement for their state/territory are required to obtain the relevant Working with Children Check and/or Police Check for their location and ensure these remain valid.
Training & Professional Development
Hosts complete comprehensive online training before placement and ongoing recertification to ensure they remain up-to-date with child safety practices; maintaining a safe and respectful home environment; how to manage health and wellbeing concerns; and cultural competency.
Ongoing Contact and Monitoring
AHN stays in regular contact with both hosts and guests during the homestay period to ensure arrangements remain positive and safe. Various communication and feedback channels are highlighted in our orientation materials and key automated emails. These include phone, email, social media and via the guest or host AHN online dashboard. This ongoing engagement helps AHN monitor host performance and react to any concerns or issues reported during the placement.
Staff Dedicated to Safe Homestays
Australian Homestay Network (AHN) ensures staff are trained to protect and support students through:
- Mandatory Training: Staff complete induction training on child-safe practices, welfare responsibilities, and cultural awareness.
- Policy Obligations: Staff agree to follow core AHN policies including the AHN Code of Ethics and Best Practice Policy, AHN Code of Conduct for U18s in Homestay, AHN Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Policy and AHN Sexual Harassment and Abuse Prevention Policy, which clearly outline their responsibilities regarding child safety.
- Screening: Staff are required to obtain the relevant Working with Children Check and/or Police Check for their location and ensure these remain valid.
- Incident Management: Staff are trained in reporting procedures and escalation pathways for any welfare concerns (refer to the AHN Critical Incident Policy).