National Children's Week

Children are among the most vulnerable individuals in society, their potential often unrealised. This week is National Children’s week, a time for us to celebrate the tremendous talents and basic rights of all children.

“There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they can grow up in peace” – The late UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

The 2019 theme of Children’s Week is The right of every child to good health and wellbeing. We are encouraged to work together so that children can be supported to thrive both physically and mentally. Children’s Week is an opportunity to highlight the rights of children however at ACU we uphold the rights of all children and celebrate their many talents, all year round.

At ACU, ensuring that children are protected is an important part of what we do. From community engagement to industry leading research, here are just some of the ways ACU is prioritising children’s rights.

Safeguarding Project

We all have a role to play in keeping children and vulnerable adults safe from harm. A project is underway to review ACU’s safeguarding policies and practices, led by the Office of Student Success (OSS). The goal of this project is to embed safeguarding into everyday thinking and practice by building the capacity of staff and students. OSS will be working alongside both faculties and professional staff to ensure that ACU implements best practice safeguarding standards across the board. To keep up to date with Safeguarding policies and procedures that affect you, visit Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults website.

Institute of Child Protection Studies

ACU’s Institute of Child Protection Studies (ICPS) has contributed ground-breaking research for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. ICPS are involved in research that investigates the care, protection and general wellbeing of children and young people. Currently ICPS are contributing to the Australian Child Maltreatment Study, which is the first National study in Australia that will measure prevalence, health outcomes and the burden of child maltreatment.

Leaders in the area of protecting children ICPS also sets out to empower organisations to cultivate cultures that foster child safety and wellbeing. Resources, professional development programs and research publications that help to build the capacity of institutions are made available through the Safeguarding Children and Young People Portal.

Community Engagement

ACU Community Engagement have proudly managed The Sacred Heart Homework Club for many years alongside student volunteers who provide tutoring assistance.

The Homework Club at Sacred Heart Primary School in Victoria, is a flagship community engagement program that provides school-based learning support and mentoring to disadvantaged students.

The program has proven success in building the student’s literacy and numeracy skills, raising their aspirations through positive mentorship and improving their own confidence, social skills and emotional resilience.

If you have any questions about safeguarding or want to hear more about the project and the role you can play in upholding children’s rights, contact the National Safeguarding Officer (Policy, Support and Compliance) Jessica Barry.