Commitment to Child Safety

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 facing life-limiting and complex medical 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.

We embed a child safe culture across our work through the following principles: 

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 well-being, resilience and safety and protecting children in our work. We apply a holistic view of children’s safety and well-being 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, so far as practicable, the principles of the United Nations Convention 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.  

Child Protection Standards

Professional Relationships: 

• Maintain professional and courteous relationships with children and their families. 
• Provide services in a way that does not exploit or abuse our position.

Respect and Inclusion

• Listen to the views of children or young people and involve them in decision-making processes. 
• Respect children and young people’s rights, background, culture, and beliefs in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

Legal Compliance:

• Comply with all relevant Commonwealth, state, or territory laws protecting children and young people.
• Follow mandatory reporting requirements for children suspected to be at risk of significant harm.

Reporting and Accountability:

• Report any concerning staff conduct towards children or young people to key management personnel.
• Safeguard children at all times and report any suspected risk of significant harm.

Communication and Conduct:

• Use appropriate language for the age and understanding of the child or young person.
• Avoid actions or words that threaten, intimidate, shame, humiliate, belittle, embarrass, or degrade children or young people.

Substance-Free Environment:

• Do not attend work affected by illegal drugs or alcohol, consume them while on duty, or supply them to children or young people in our care.
• Refrain from smoking while on duty.

Recruitment and Worker Screening:

Working with Children Checks:

• Comply with and carry out working with children checks in accordance with state/territory requirements and the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth).

Best Practice Recruitment:

• Review recruitment and human resources management practices regularly to align with best practices for the protection of children and young people.
• Recognize and address risks and factors that impact children and young people in our recruitment processes.

At Hannah’s House, we are deeply committed to safeguarding the well-being of every child, and we will not tolerate any form of abuse. Our comprehensive monitoring and reporting process ensures that suspicions and disclosures of breaches of conduct are identified and addressed efficiently, timely, and appropriately.

If you have any concerns or feedback, you can contact Hannah’s House Child Safeguarding Committee at info@hannahshouse.org.au or by calling 08 6319 2850.