Our Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity

Public Statement of Commitment (Child Safety)

Our Commitment to Child Safety and Wellbeing

At Deaf Connect, we are committed to creating safe, welcoming, and empowering environments for everyone in our community including safety and wellbeing of children and young people. On this page, you’ll find our Public Statement of Commitment, which shows how we work to keep children safe and supported every day. We have also included a child-friendly version, so children and young people can understand their rights and how we support them.

Find more information at wfdeaf.org/rights-of-deaf-children and childsafe.humanrights.gov.au/national-principles.

At Deaf Connect, we want all children and young people to feel safe and happy.

· You have the right to be safe, respected, and listened to.

· We welcome everyone, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids, kids from different cultures, kids with disability, and kids who are gender diverse.

· If something worries you or doesn’t feel right, we want you to tell someone you trust.

· The adults at Deaf Connect must listen, take you seriously, and keep you safe.

We promise to make Deaf Connect a place where children and young people can join in, share their ideas, and feel supported.

Deaf Connect is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. We affirm that every child has the right to feel safe, value, and respected.

Our commitment includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disability, and children and young people who are gender diverse.

We are dedicated to creating environments where children feel welcome, included, and empowered to participate in decisions that affect them.

To uphold this commitment, we:

· Ensure all staff and volunteers understand and act in accordance with our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

· Provide training on children’s rights, safety, and wellbeing

· Require valid Working with Children Checks (or state/territory equivalent) for staff and volunteers working with children

· Respond to and report all concerns about child safety, including suspected abuse or harm

· Investigate complaints fairly, promptly, and thoroughly

· Involve children and families in decision-making wherever appropriate

· Proactively manage risks of harm in all organisational activities and environments

This commitment reflects Deaf Connect’s responsibility to safeguard children and young people and to embed child safety in everything we do.