Child Safety and Wellbeing at Hannah's House
As a family centred organisation, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people by putting their best interests first in everything we do.
We understand that children thrive when policies and programs support their needs as well as their primary caregivers. This belief underpins Hannah’s House’s commitment as a Child Safe Organisation. Our Child Safety & Wellbeing policy outlines our principles, objectives, and the obligations of all Hannah’s House People—and others within the scope of the policy—to keep children safe, strong, and well.
Hannah’s House is deeply committed to protecting the rights of all children. We maintain a zero-tolerance stance on any form of abuse, neglect, or harm. Through shared purpose and rigorous practices, we ensure the safety and well-being of every child in our care.
Commitment to Child Safety
Hannah’s House is deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in accordance with Australia’s National Child Safe principles.
Hannah’s House is a child safe organisation and is deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in accordance with Australia’s National Child Safe principles. We have zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect and harm. We value, respect and listen to children and are committed to supporting child safety and well-being in our work. At Hannah’s House, we are dedicated to providing unwavering support to vulnerable children with complex needs and life limiting conditions. We understand the immense trust that families and the community place in us, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of child safeguarding practices. Our commitment extends across our rigorous recruitment, training, and governance processes to ensure the safety and well-being of every child under our care
Principles of Child Safeguarding
At Hannah’s House, we are deeply committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and protective environment for all children, particularly those experiencing vulnerability. Our Child Safeguarding Principles guide our approach to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care.
Principle 1
We are committed to ensuring that all children of all abilities, identities, backgrounds, and circumstances are safe, strong, and respected in all that we do. We will be proactive in ensuring our practice is culturally respectful, inclusive, and accessible for all children, families and communities, never losing sight of the trust families and communities place in us.
Principle 2
We are committed to supporting child wellbeing, resilience and safety and protecting children in our work. We apply a holistic view of children’s safety and wellbeing and an understanding of child safe practices aligned with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
Principle 3
We value, respect, and listen to children. The best interests and the views of children are central to our decision making and actions. We are committed to upholding the rights of the child and to applying, as far as practicable, the Principles of the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child.
Principle 4
We have zero tolerance for any form of child abuse. We are committed to working in partnership with children, families, and communities to support early intervention, reduce vulnerability and prevent harm to children.
Addressing Vulnerabilities linked to Children Living with a Disability
At Hannah’s House, we recognise that children with disabilities may experience heightened vulnerability to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Our commitment to child safeguarding includes proactive measures to identify, prevent, and respond to these risks, ensuring that every child in our care is protected, valued, and empowered.
Children with disabilities may face unique challenges that increase their vulnerability, including:
- Increased Dependency on Caregivers: Reliance on others for basic needs can create power imbalances.
- Communication Barriers: Difficulties in expressing concerns may leave abuse undetected.
- Social Isolation: Limited interaction with peers or trusted adults can heighten vulnerability.
- Stigma and Discrimination: Negative societal attitudes may exacerbate risks.
- Lack of Awareness and Training: Caregivers and professionals may lack the knowledge to identify and address vulnerabilities.
By embedding rigorous safeguarding measures, Hannah’s House is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where children with disabilities can thrive, free from harm and with the full support they deserve.
Processes and Procedures
- Worker Screening & Checks: Ensuring all staff and volunteers meet rigorous safety standards.
- Code of Conduct: Defining expectations for ethical behaviour.
- Whistleblower Policy: To serve as a protective mechanism.
Submit Feedback/Report an Incident
At Hannah’s House, we believe in fostering a safe and supportive environment where concerns can be raised without fear. Open communication and feedback help us strengthen our child safeguarding practices and continuously improve our services.
We encourage families, staff, and community members to share their feedback or report concerns confidentially.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Director of Clinical Services, Aoife Gray aoife.gray@hannahshouse.org.au and Chief Executive Office, Jonine Collins jonine.collins@hannahshouse.org.au.
