Safeguarding children is a critical and widely discussed topic within our sector, at both the national level and among the families who rely on our services. Ensuring the well-being and safety of the children we serve is our highest priority, and we are committed to implementing the most effective measures to protect them.
Over the past 12 months, YWCA Canberra has been dedicated to enhancing our safeguarding measures. We have thoroughly reviewed our existing practices and identified areas for improvement based on best practices and recommended sources. Safeguarding is not merely about limiting male involvement in intimate care routines; it encompasses a much broader scope. The Australian Human Rights Commission defines safeguarding as:
The actions that an organisation takes to promote and protect the safety and well-being of children who access their service.
At YWCA Canberra, we are committed to doing everything possible to protect the children who attend our services. We have established comprehensive policies and procedures that form the foundation of our safeguarding principles. These policies and procedures encompass various aspects, including identifying and reporting concerns, maintaining a child-safe culture, ensuring safe environments, and training all staff to be aware of their responsibilities. By adhering to these principles, we can collectively ensure that we provide the highest level of care and protection for the children under our supervision.
We encourage families to reach out to their Program Manager, to engage in conversations about child safety. We have equipped all our educators with training and resources to facilitate these safeguarding discussions. In discussions that have already taken place, a recurring theme was identified, parents are often unsure about what questions to ask regarding safeguarding.
. Here are some examples of questions you may like to ask your service:
· How does the recruitment process support safeguarding principes?
· How does the vulnerable peoples card work in the ACT or the Children’s Check in NSW?
· What is a supervision plan and how does this keep children safe?
· What risk assessments need to be in place to be compliant with the National Laws and regulations?
· How does an organisation Code of Conduct safeguard children?
· What are the elements of a child-safe culture?
· What is the Early Childhood Code of Ethics and how does this apply to child-safety
As an organisation, we have been investing in building the capacity of our leadership team to understand the National Law and Regulations. We have engaged in in-depth discussions on our decision making framework and provided the necessary support tools to fulfill their roles and responsibilities. This knowledge and support create a ripple effect, benefiting our educators who work with children every day.
Within our organisation, we embrace a growth mindset, and safeguarding principles and strategies are at the forefront of our continued development. Our foremost purpose is to support and educate children, paving the way for their future.