National Child Protection Week is a time for conversations

National Child Protection Week is from 1 to 7 September – it is a great opportunity to raise awareness, create spaces and have conversations which promote the wellbeing and safety of the young people in our community.

The theme for 2024 is “Every conversation matters” which highlights the importance of conversations and their ability to help people understand, craft solutions, value community knowledge and build social connections for children and young people.

Conversations between children, their families, caregivers, peers and the community really do matter. The safer a child or young person feels, the more likely they will disclose or report any type of harm and/or abuse. When children and young people speak, the people in their lives need to play a role by listening. These conversations matter, no matter how big or small.

ACU is actively committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children and young people. ACU’s commitment to sustaining a safeguarding culture is everyone’s responsibility. Our university has embedded safeguards in our policies, procedures, practices and Code of Behaviour. These are designed to support all staff members and those who we work with, teach, engage with and minister to. They are central to our mission that is committed to human dignity, and to improve the lives of others through compassion, empathy and respect.

Resources

You can find a range of resources at Respect.Now.Always. This page also has guidelines on how to report an incident or concern. We encourage you to investigate ACU’s Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk Framework and visit ACU’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Portal.  

Another resource you can explore is the Tuned In modules, co-developed by Associate Professor Tim Moore and Dr Mary Ann Powell from the Institute of Child Protection Studies and NAPCAN (the convenor of National Child Protection Week). Tuned In is a set of six self-contained online modules designed for those working with young people in group settings. Each module covers essential evidence, knowledge, and techniques for ensuring safe and effective facilitation. They cover topics such as building connections, trust and respect, and dealing with challenging behaviours. Learn more about Tuned In.

How can you get involved?

The Safeguarding and Student Safety team are here to help ACU staff in all matters relating to safeguarding and student safety. The team have a wide range of expertise in this field and provide response, resources, awareness and confidential support. Any staff who feel they need to discuss or report any safeguarding or student safety concerns can email respectandsafety@acu.edu.au. Let’s continue to use our voices to ensure all children in our community feel seen and heard. Every conversation matters.