Child safe organisations: Implementing the National Principles for children and young people with disability

Introduction

The webpage outlines a national initiative focused on implementing the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, specifically tailored to support children and young people with disability. Led by the Australian Government in collaboration with Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA), the initiative involved a two-phase approach. Phase 1 included extensive stakeholder consultation, and Phase 2 resulted in the development of practical resources for children, caregivers, and organisations.

The resources aim to help organisations create safer, more inclusive environments for children and young people with disability. These include three co-designed educational videos that explore safety from the lived experiences of children with disability. Topics covered include accessibility, communication preferences, cultural safety, identity, consent, and child abuse—including child sexual abuse.

One video features children and young people discussing what safety means to them, highlighting the importance of inclusion and respect. Another video provides practical strategies for staff and volunteers to prevent, recognise, and respond to abuse. The third video empowers children, young people, and caregivers to understand their rights and advocate for safety within organisations.

All resources are available in accessible formats, including Auslan, audio description, and transcripts, ensuring broad usability. The initiative underscores the heightened vulnerability of children with disability—who are 3 to 4 times more likely to experience abuse—and the critical role organisations play in safeguarding them.

Benefits for Volunteer-Involving Organisations and Volunteer Managers

The benefits for Volunteer-Involving Organisations and Volunteer Managers include:

• Building understanding of disability-related safety needs and rights.

• Offering actionable strategies for creating inclusive, child-safe environments.

• The videos serve as effective tools for volunteer induction and ongoing education.

• Supporting volunteers in recognising and responding to abuse confidently.

• Aligning with national child safety standards and principles.

• Promoting respectful engagement with children of all abilities, improving service quality and trust.