BROTHERS/SISTERS

Brothers and sisters play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by being supportive, caring and looking out for each other. 

• Be a positive role model for your siblings to learn from. Be aware of your behaviour and take responsibility for it – what you say, how you say it and the way you act. Children and young people learn from the people they spend time with, so make your influence positive!

• Be a good listener, support and encourage your brother or sister.

• Enjoy spending time with your brother or sister and give yourself time apart from your family too.

• If you are worried that your brother/ sister is unhappy, scared or unsafe encourage them to speak to an adult that they trust. This person could be a parent, teacher or counsellor. You can offer to go with them for extra support.

• If you are old enough, offer to spend time with your brother or sister. Take them to the park, play outside with them, or do some other activities to make your relationship even stronger.

• Share positive experiences with your siblings. Let them know you care. It can make all the difference.

CARERS

Careers play their part to protect and care for children and young people in our community by keeping children and young people safe and providing them with a safe space in which they can thrive and grow.

Anybody who may have children in their care at some time is classified as a Carer – for example: child care workers, early childhood professionals, foster carers, friends, healthcare professionals etc.

COMMUNITY WORKERS

Community workers play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by supporting carers and parents, as well as being a role model for respectful relationships.

FRIENDS

Friends play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by supporting each other.

GRANDPARENTS

Grandparents play their part to protect and care for children and young peopl in their community by caring for and nurturing families, as well as providing support, reassurance and love.

• Spend time with children and young people in your life. By playing, listening and engaging with them, you show them that they are important.
• Create opportunities for all the children and young people in your family to spend time together.
• Be a positive role model. Children and young people learn from the people that they spend time with, so make your influence positive.
• If possible, offer to be an emergency contact for the family. Make sure that the children/young people know that you are the emergency contact too so they feel included.
  
• Be a friend to parents that you know. Parenting is important and requires a lot of effort and energy, especially for new and young parents. Keep reminding them that you are there to help.
• Think about safe and respectful ways to be an active bystander if you see an adult being inappropriate towards a child or young person.
• Congratulate families and young people when you see or hear good things about individual family members. Sharing good news about families is really valuable.

HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

Health practitioners play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by being informed of the links between abuse, early intervention and prevention – as well as bing accessible and supportive of families who need assistance.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Local government play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by providing free family events and activities to create opportunities for young people to engage in community life.

THE MEDIA

The media can play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by challenging negative stereotypes and reporting on child abuse prevention initiatives.

NEIGHBOURS

Neighbours play their part to protect and care for children and young people in our community by supporting and helping each other and working towards safe and inclusive neighbourhood.

• If you’re worried about someone, offer help or recommend where they can access help to strengthen their family’s resilience and resources. There is a Parentline in each state or territory to provide support, counselling or referrals.
• Care for your neighbourhood. By offering to hold a ‘clean up your street’ day you recognise and share the impact of a clean environment on young people’s wellbeing.
• Get the kids in your street to map your neighbourhood. Talk to them about safety and ask them to identify the places where they don’t feel safe. Let them know that it is the adults’ responsibility to do something about it!
• Include your neighbours in an emergency plan. When something unexpected happens, neighbours are often the people to get assistance from. Involving children and young people in your planning ensures that they feel included and are informed.
• Think about safe and respectful ways to be an active bystander if you see an adult being inappropriate towards a child or young person.
• Offer to care for your neighbour’s children or provide practical help – like shopping – to new parents. Offering a helping hand provides an opportunity for parents to rest or spend some time together.
• Be a positive role model. Be aware of your behaviour, what you say, how you say it and the way you act Children and young people learn from the people they spend time with, so make your influence positive!
• Build positive relationships with the children and their families in your neighbourhood. Smile, say hello, remember their names and listen to them when needed. This shows young people that they are important in their community, and that you care.
• Talk to your neighbours and take the time to build relationships among parents in your street, apartment building or in your community. Know where your children are and get to know the families that they enjoy visiting.
• If everyone in the neighbourhood works together to make protecting children everyone’s business this will increase the circle of people your child knows and can learn from which increases their safety.
• Welcome newcomers. Make up a “Welcome Pack” with information on local schools, playgroups, child health centres, kids sporting clubs, music lessons, the closest all night chemist, etc.

PARENTS

Parents play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by showing how to have respectful relationships.

• Accept offers of help (especially the ones where cooked meals are involved!) Being a parent is important and requires a great deal of energy, patience, effort and time.
• Link in with services that support you – New Parent Groups and Playgroups can be fantastic. It’s ok to reach out and ask for support, from family, friends, services, health professionals and so on.
• There is a Parentline in each state and territory. It provides help, support and referrals to organisations in your community, at the end of the phone. There is also safe and well researched parenting information available online – the Raising Children Network.
• Share your experiences and skills with other parents – it can help you realise that you are not alone! Parenting requires effort, energy and support.
• Discover ways to promote your positive mental health and learn what helps reduce your stress to assists you provide the best care for your children. Listen to your children and involve them in planning things as a family.
• Play with your children. It can be as simple as a game of “peek-a-boo” for little ones or reading to them. For older children, take walks around your area, check out the local park or visit the local library. Playing with children helps build a positive relationship and connection and most of all it is fun!
• Take time out when you feel the need – look after yourself. Parenting can be positive – notice the good times too.
• Make plans for enjoyable “family time” – this can help build close relationships. Include the children and young people in the planning. This can be part of the fun!
• Encourage your children to share their feelings – try a game at dinner time where you ask each person “What was a positive thing that happened today?” “What didn’t go well today?” and end with “What was the funniest thing that happened today?” This encourages children to raise issues with you before they become problematic.
• Talk about safety with your children. Talk about what being unsafe might look and feel like at home, in their community, online or at school. Make plans about what to do if they feel unsafe.
• Parenting courses can help you be the best you can be.
• Celebrate your children, their achievements, values and interests and support them when times are tough. This will build a strong family that is loving and safe.
• Get involved in your community. Joining groups such as for sporting activities will help you and your children to have fun and meet people.

PARTNERS

Partners play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by being good role models who treat people with respect.

TREAT YOUR PARTNER WITH LOVE AND RESPECT:

• Be a positive role model. Be aware of your behaviour, what you say, how you say it and the way you act. Children and young people learn from the people they spend time with, so make your influence positive!
• Understand that your partner is a parent as well as your partner and that children and young people can be demanding and need a lot of attention.

POLICE

Police play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by being approachable and educating children and young people on how to be safe.

• Be a positive role model and influence for children and young people to look up to.
• Develop policies and procedures that convey the law in a way that any person can understand.
• Child Protection Policies should promote wellbeing and early intervention practices and be consistent with state/territory mandatory reporting legislation. When implemented and supported consistently, these policies work to protect children, workers and the organisation.
• Consider the impact on children and young people when making service delivery decisions.
• Develop and share a directory of local services in police stations that can support families.
• Involve yourself in community events and network across sectors to build trusting relationships and develop balanced well- informed perspectives on children and young people.
• Congratulate families and young people when you see or hear good things happening.
• Be approachable and youth friendly.
• Developing and adhering to a code of conduct for working with children and young people at your station is a practical tool for promoting clear and consistent roles and behaviour.
• Think about safe and respectful ways to offer assistance if you see an adult being inappropriate towards a child or young person.

RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES

Religious communities play their part to protect and care for children and young people in our community by supporting families and promoting children and young people’s health and wellbeing.

• Be a positive role model. Children and young people learn from the people that they spend time with, so make your influence positive.

• Facilitate a youth friendly environment by creating opportunities for children and young people to engage in and be heard. This could include providing a youth space, holding a community event to showcase children’s achievements, or developing a youth action network.

• Collaborate with other organisations and be informed on the indicators and risks of child abuse and neglect as well as preventative measures. This will increase your awareness of how to support families in your community and prevent harm.

• Develop means for family networking and support groups through communication channels such as notice boards, newsletters, online and social media or offering practical support. Reach out to families who are isolated. Be available and approachable.

• Consider becoming a Child Safe Organisation and encourage all staff and volunteers to undertake training to implement child safe practices across the organisation. This training could also be accessed by Board members and senior staff. Develop child related policies and procedures. Child Protection Policies should promote wellbeing and early intervention practices and be consistent with state/territory mandatory reporting legislation.

• A code of conduct for working with children and young people is a practical tool for promoting clear, consistent roles and behaviour. Ensure that all staff and volunteers engaged in child related work hold a valid Working With Children Check. When implemented and supported consistently, these policies work to protect children, workers and the organisation.

• Openly encourage reviews of pastoral care systems to ensure they are meeting the needs of staff and students.

• Consider the impact on children and young people when making service delivery decisions.

• Be open to making connections with any child, young person or community member who needs your support regardless of cultural background or religious beliefs, to further perpetuate an environment of acceptance and tolerance.

• Think about safe and respectful ways to be an active bystander if you see an adult being inappropriate towards a child or young person.

• Support schools in their promotion of children and young people’s safety and wellbeing.

SHOPS

Shops play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by providing family friendly working environments and displaying community announcements and events.

• Be a positive role model. Be aware of your behaviour, what you say, how you say it and the way you act. Children and young people learn from the people they listen to, so make your influence positive!
• Have family friendly work conditions available to staff who are parents. Flexibility allows parents to meet the needs of their family and to cope in times of stress.
• Welcome children with a smile. Consider your manner and listen to what young people say. Consider providing a play area or colouring competition in your shop to demonstrate your recognition of children and support of families’ access to your products.
• Partner with a local community organisation or school to support children and families. For example, sponsoring a child’s sporting activity increases opportunity for families to be involved in their community.
• Consider the impact of product placement on children and young people. Limit access to products which are a risk to physical safety (eg knives, chemicals), physical health (junk food) and identity development (media which includes sexualised images of young women).
• Display information about community events and opportunities for recreation. Increasing access to events will support families to get involved in their community.
• Think about safe and respectful ways to be an active bystander if you see an adult being inappropriate towards a child or young person.

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SPORTS & RECREATION CLUBS

Children thrive in communities that are friendly and connected. Sports and recreation clubs play a crucial role in building community and creating positive experiences for children.

• Children need positive role models. You can do this by showing respect to all players, coaches, referees, volunteers and families.
• Show children that they are a valued part of a community by being friendly to other club members. Knowing the names of children on their team or in their club can help to make children and young people feel like they are part of a community.
• Consider becoming a Child Safe Organisation and encourage all staff and volunteers to undertake training to implement child safe practices across the organisation. Additional training could also be accessed by Board members and senior staff.
• Children have the right to feel able to speak up and to be listened to, respected and believed. You can help by listening to children and young people, and asking for their views and opinions.
• Importantly, always believe children if they tell you something important about their safety and wellbeing. Be aware of the indicators and risks of child abuse and neglect and speak up if you are concerned about a child or family at your club.
• Find out about your club’s policies and procedures and familiarise yourself with the codes of conduct – these should be treated seriously; not just as something to tick off.
• Do your bit to help at the club. Even if you can volunteer a small amount of time, this shows children that you care, and gives you the opportunity to be part of the community.
• Be available and approachable, so that families that may be isolated can feel included and involved.
• A code of conduct for working with children and young people is a practical tool for promoting clear and consistent roles and behaviour. Ensure that all staff and volunteers engaged in child related work hold a valid Working With Children Check. When implemented and supported consistently, these policies work to protect children, workers and the organisation.
• Children need trusted adults who will speak out and step in if needed. Think about safe and respectful ways to speak up if you see an adult being inappropriate or unkind towards a child or young person.
• Be encouraging towards all players and don’t just focus on winning.
• Be aware of how you treat different genders. Are all the girls’ and boys’ teams treated fairly regardless of gender identity? Avoid phrases like ‘boys will be boys’.

TEACHERS

Teachers play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by building relationships with their students and showing that they respect and value them.

IN THE CLASSROOM:

WHOLE OF SCHOOL APPROACH TO CHILD ABUSE & VIOLENCE PREVENTION EDUCATION:

YOUNG PEOPLE

Young people play their part to protect and care for children and other young people in their community by being a positive influence and standing up for children if they need support.

• Listen: If your friend is upset or worried they most likely just need you to listen. Believing them and being there in the good times and the bad, helps them to know that you care.
• If you’re really worried about your friend’s happiness or safety, encourage them to speak to an adult. A parent, teacher, counsellor or another adult you trust are good options. -Although talking for the first time can be hard, it can also be very helpful. If you feel like your friend needs some extra support you could offer to go with them.
• Look out for the younger children in your family, at your school or on your bus. Stand up for them or reach out if they need your support.

AS A YOUNG PERSON:

YOUTH WORKERS

Youth workers play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by supporting them to participate in their community. They also continuously advocate for the best interests of young people.

• Be a positive role model. Be aware of your behaviour, what you say, how you say it and the way you act. Children and young people learn from the people they spend time with, so make your influence positive! Encourage young people to be positive role models themselves and contribute to their community.
• Promote youth and family events and support services, and support children and young people to actively participate in their community.
• Reduce isolation for young people by offering outreach programs and help with access to transport.
• Be approachable and youth friendly. Build positive working relationships with child protection workers – it creates a consistency of care and allows you to advocate for the child or young person. Consider the impact on children and young people when making service delivery decisions.
• Develop policies and procedures for your workplace. Child Protection Policies should promote wellbeing and early intervention practices and be consistent with state or territory mandatory reporting legislation. Encourage your organisation to become a Child Safe Organisation and access the training to help integrate child safe practices in your organisation.
• Ensure that you, all staff and volunteers engaged in child related work hold a valid Working With Children Check.
• A code of conduct for working with children and young people is a practical tool for promoting clear and consistent roles and behaviour.
• Provide a family friendly space that welcomes children, young people and parents. For example, safe play areas and baby change facilities show families they are valued.
• Assist parents with accessing services that can increase their parenting skills and knowledge and/or provide them with additional support, including access Parentline’s in their state or territory which provides support, counselling and access to other support services in the community.
• Think about safe and respectful ways to be an active bystander if you see an adult being inappropriate towards a child or young person.
• Congratulate families and young people when you see or hear good things happening.
• Value local culture and wisdom and where possible seek input from senior community or family members to improve relationships and inform best practice.