Our Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
All children and young people have the fundamental right to feel safe, protected, and valued. At Healthy Mind Centre (HMC), we are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child and young person who interacts with our service, whether directly or indirectly. This commitment includes supporting the cultural safety of all children and young people, including First Nations children and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Additionally, we actively promote and foster an inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQAI+ children and children with disabilities.
We recognise the significant responsibility we have in creating a secure environment for children and pledge to maintain the highest standards of child safety within our practice. Our ongoing commitments to child safety at HMC include:
Safe and Welcoming Environment: We establish and maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where children feel secure, respected, and supported during their interactions with our practice. We are committed to ensuring that the experiences of children and young people interacting with our service are free from any form of abuse, neglect, or grooming. Our proactive measures and strict adherence to child safety protocols are designed to create a safe and secure environment for every child.
Compliance with Regulations: We diligently adhere to all relevant regulations, guidelines, and legal requirements related to child safety within the private practice context, consistently meeting or exceeding established standards.
Empowerment and Education: We empower children by actively involving them in decisions impacting their care. We foster a culture of openness that supports safe disclosure of risks of harm to children. We are committed to helping children identify trusted individuals to talk to when feeling worried or unsafe and encouraging children to raise any concerns they may have.
Respect: We respect diversity in cultures and child-rearing practices while prioritising child safety. We value input from families and carers and maintain regular communication when working with children and young people.
Prevention and Response: We implement proactive measures to prevent potential risks to children's safety and respond promptly and compassionately to concerns or incidents, following established procedures and legal obligations. This includes promptly reporting suspected abuse, neglect, grooming, or mistreatment to appropriate authorities. We share information with other organisations as required where the safety and wellbeing of children is at risk. We are committed to providing an environment where children and young people feel safe, listened to, and believed.
Cultivating a Culture of Vigilance: We foster a culture of vigilance, encouraging HMC staff, volunteers, contractors, and others who engage formally with HMC to be proactive advocates for child safety. Reporting mechanisms are in place to ensure that any concerns are promptly addressed and thoroughly investigated.
Continuous Improvement: We regularly review and enhance our policies, procedures, and practices to reflect evolving child safety standards. Our commitment to continuous improvement underscores our dedication to providing the best possible care for children. We welcome comments, compliments, and complaints from children, their families/carers, and the community to guide our efforts to protect children.
Recruitment and training: Our commitment to child safety encompasses every aspect of our operations, including the recruitment and training of our team. We implement rigorous measures to ensure that everyone affiliated with our practice possesses the knowledge and skills essential for fostering a secure environment for children. This includes mandatory Working with Vulnerable People checks and valid police checks for all staff members as part of their suitability assessment. Our administrative and clinical staff members undergo regular training, professional development, and supervision focused on child safety and well-being. We also provide comprehensive written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour toward children.
Zero Tolerance of Abuse: We affirm a zero-tolerance stance against any form of abuse, including physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse. Our commitment is unwavering in creating an environment where children feel secure, respected, and protected from harm. Any act of abuse by any person associated with our practice, regardless of their role, will be handled with the utmost seriousness, reflecting our dedication to maintaining a safe environment for children.
Support for Victims: We prioritise the well-being of victims and offer support services, including counselling and access to external resources, to assist them in their recovery.
These commitments are fundamental to our mission, and we extend an invitation to our practice community to join us in upholding them. Together, we can cultivate a secure and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported, and can thrive.
Our unwavering dedication to child safety reflects our firm belief that every child deserves the highest standard of care.