YWCA Canberra is deeply distressed by the recent reports of alleged child sexual abuse in Victorian early learning settings. Our thoughts are with the children, families, and communities affected by these disturbing allegations. 

At YWCA Canberra, safeguarding is at the heart of our organisational culture. We are committed to creating safe, inclusive environments where children feel protected and empowered to speak up. This commitment is embedded in leadership through to every educator. 

In response to the recent distressing incidents, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safeguarding and wellbeing of all children.  

We don’t use agency staff  
YWCA Canberra does not employ agency staff in our Early Childhood Services or School Age Care programs. Our team consists of dedicated employees who are deeply committed to the children and families we serve.  

Personal Devices Ban 
For over four years, YWCA Canberra has enforced a strict ban on personal phones and devices across all our early learning sites. All devices onsite are owned and operated by YWCA Canberra for work purposes only.  

We have robust recruitment and onboarding procedures 
YWCA Canberra implements a rigorous child safe recruitment and onboarding process that prioritises child safety and staff quality. Our selection processes are robust and merit-based, with all applicants participating in panel interviews to ensure fairness, transparency and a thorough assessment of their suitability for working with children. Prior to commencement, all new employees undergo extensive screening including a minimum of two professional reference checks, a National Police Check, and must hold a valid Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) or a Working with Children Check (WWCC) registration before being cleared to commence in their role.   

All staff complete a thorough induction, which includes compulsory training in mandatory reporting, reportable conduct and induction to our Child Protection Policy and Child Protection Code of Conduct. These procedures reflect our unwavering commitment to maintaining a highly qualified, trustworthy, and child-safe workforce. 

Qualified Educators 
Our Early Learning and Care educators are qualified, experienced, supervised and passionate about early childhood education.  We deeply value our staff, who consistently demonstrate professionalism and genuine care in their work with children. 

YWCA Canberra recognises the vital role that male educators play in supporting children’s development and wellbeing and is committed to fostering safety, diversity and inclusion within the education and care sector.  

Professional Development 
We provide ongoing training and professional development, implementing contemporary practice to advance the safety and rights of children and prevent, recognise and respond in preventing children’s exposure to and involvement in abusive behaviours and environments. 

Engagement with Regulatory Frameworks 
We work proactively and transparently with all regulating bodies and child safe legislation and embed Child Safe standards into every practice to ensure the safety and ongoing wellbeing of children and young people in our care. 

Contact us 
We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of child safety and care. If you would like further information on YWCA Canberra’s safeguarding, or have any concerns or questions, we encourage you to reach out directly.