We are committed to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive environments where children and young people feel safe, heard, respected and valued.

We believe every child has the right to feel safe and to have a voice in the services and supports they receive. Child safety is embedded in the way we work, from how we design and deliver our services to how we select and support our workers, manage risks, respond to concerns and continually improve.

Our commitment means:

• Children’s safety and wellbeing come first. We make decisions with the best interests, safety and wellbeing of children at the centre.
• Children have a voice. We listen to children and take their views seriously, supporting them to participate in ways that reflect their age, communication style, disability, culture, identity and individual needs.
• Culture and identity are respected. We recognise the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to cultural safety and connection to family, kin, community, culture and Country, and we respect the diverse backgrounds and identities of every child we support.
• We act early when something doesn’t feel right. Our workers are expected to recognise concerns, speak up and take appropriate action to help keep children safe.
• Speaking up is supported. Children, families, workers and others are encouraged to raise concerns about child safety. Anyone who raises a concern or makes a report in good faith will be treated respectfully and supported to do so.
• We are accountable. We take child safety concerns seriously, respond appropriately and cooperate with relevant authorities and regulatory bodies when required.

Creating a child safe organisation is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to listening, learning and continually improving our practices so that children and young people can feel safe, supported and confident by the Hively team.