Safeguarding children and young people

Our highest priority is the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults is . The right to be able to enjoy a safe environment free from threats, abuse, neglect or exploitation is our service commitment. We work hard to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people is embedded in our culture and at the forefront of everything we do. We know that it is not just about having the right policies and procedures, it is also about being proactive.

The Y has a legal, moral and mission-driven responsibility to protect children and young people from harm and to ensure that any incidents of suspected child abuse are promptly and appropriately managed.

A crucial aspect of safeguarding children and young people is ensuring our staff understand the process for reporting any concerns they have about a child or young person’s wellbeing. Our staff must also understand expectations in relation to their code of conduct around children and young people.

Programs and services that advocate for children and young people to air their concerns with our services, and be confident in offering feedback, is another important aspect of creating a culture where children and young people’s well-being is safeguarded.