Safeguarding Children and Young People

Y Canberra has a commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable people first and foremost in all of our programs and activities. We have extensive Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures which help us to continually embed a safe culture.

We have partnered with the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) http://www.childhood.org.au to continually improve our child protection processes, systems and monitoring programs and remained compliant since 2007 as a child safe organisation. This partnership ensures our actions comply with key safeguarding standards:

• Commitment to Safeguarding Children

• Personnel Roles and Conduct

• Recruitment and Screening

• Personnel Induction and Training

• Involving Children and Parents

• Child Abuse Reports and Allegations

• Supporting a Child-safe Culture

A crucial aspect of Safeguarding Children and Young People is ensuring our staff understand the process for reporting any concerns they have about a child or young person’s wellbeing in line with ACT Legislation, Children and Young People Act 2008. http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2008-19/current/pdf/2008-19.pdf

Programs and services advocate for children and young people to air their concerns with our services, and to be confident in offering feedback; which is another important aspect of creating a culture where children and young people’s well-being is safeguarded.

All YMCA Canberra personnel complete appropriate safeguarding children and vulnerable people training and understand their responsibilities to act in the best interests of these people. If you would like further information around YMCA Canberra’s Safeguarding please contact our Safeguarding and Quality Senior Manager on 02 6242 4040.

If you would like to make a report in regards to the safeguarding of children and young people this can be done by:

1. speaking to our staff in person
2. contacting our Safeguarding Manager on 6242 4040 or safeguardingcanberra@ymca.org.au
3. writing to our Safeguarding Manager at Level 1/25 Geils Court Deakin ACT 2600.

If you or your family are in need of support, please click HERE to view a list of agencies and helpline numbers.

2021 YMCA Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy

PDF version here

YMCA Canberra Accreditation Certificate

Code of Behaviours 2020 - Child Friendly

Code of Behaviours 2020 - Teen Friendly

Parent Version - SCYP Policy and Code of Conduct 2018

SCYP - Young People Version - Over 12 years