Safeguarding Children and Young People at the Y WA
At the Y, keeping children, young people and adults at risk safe is our highest priority. Safeguarding is how we help keep people safe every day – creating environments where children and young people can flourish.
This includes recognising and respecting culture, identity and community, so that everyone feels they belong. We regularly have our safeguarding practices independently reviewed to ensure we meet high standards and continue to improve.
Across the Y, all our teams follow shared safeguarding standards that focus on prevention first – reducing risk before harm can occur. These standards guide how we recruit and train staff, build safe cultures, identify and manage risks, and respond to concerns early and appropriately. They go beyond legal requirements because we believe feeling safe is about creating environments where children and young people are supported, heard, respected and protected from harm.
Safeguarding is ongoing. We listen, learn and strengthen how we support people every day – so that everyone who engages with the Y feels safe, valued and confident in their experience.
Our commitment is: every child and young person must Feel Safe and Be Safe in every Y WA program, service, and workplace, in their families and in their communities.
We do not tolerate any form of harm, abuse, or unsafe behaviour. Every year, thousands of children and young people attend our Early Learning Centres, Outside School Hours Care, Youth Programs, and Community Services across Western Australia. Their safety and wellbeing guide every decision we make.
What safeguarding looks like at the Y WA
We work to ensure children and young people feel confident, respected, and heard. This means:
- Creating environments where children and young people can be themselves
- Listening to their voices and involving them in decisions that affect them
- Using evidence-based safeguarding practices across every location
- Supporting families and communities to understand what safe behaviour looks like
Key safeguarding documents available for families, young people, community members, and staff:
Child Protection Reporting Procedure
Explains how to report a concern about a child or young person’s safety, including steps to take and who to contact.
Practice Behaviour Guidelines
Outlines the safe, appropriate behaviours expected of all adults at the Y WA when working with children and young people.
The Y WA Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
Describes how the Y WA keeps children and young people safe across all services and programs.
Code of Conduct
Sets clear behaviour standards for everyone working or volunteering at the Y WA.
Conditions of Entry
Explains the expectations for families and visitors when entering any Y WA facility.
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
Summarises the Y WA’s commitment to keeping children and young people safe and listening to them.
Reportable Conduct Scheme
Provides information about conduct that must be reported and how the Y WA manages these matters.
Safeguarding and Child Protection Report Form
Raise a safeguarding concern via our paper form.
Protective Behaviours Workbook
A practical resource teaching children safe behaviours, early warning signs, and help-seeking skills.
Child Friendly Safeguarding Policy
A simple, child-friendly version of our safeguarding policy for use in care and education settings.
Youth Friendly Safeguarding Policy
Explains safeguarding rights and responsibilities in easy-to-understand language for young people.
Stay, Safe, Tell Someone Poster
A visual guide that helps children and young people recognise unsafe situations by noticing what they see, hear, and feel.
Safe Behaviours Poster for children
A child-friendly poster outlining key safe behaviours and what to do if something feels wrong.
Safe Behaviours Poster for Young People
A youth-friendly poster explaining safe behaviours, boundaries, and help-seeking.
Child Friendly Raising Complaints Concerns and Feedback Procedure
Shows children how to raise a concern or complaint and what happens next
Useful Contacts and Resources for Children, Young People, Families & Communities
A list of trusted WA support services, helplines, and resources.
The Y Safeguarding eCommitment (ages 5 to 12)
This document outlines the Y WA’s commitment to keeping children aged 5–12 safe and supported through strong safeguarding practices.
The Y Safeguarding eCommitment (ages 12 to 18)
Explains what young people can expect from adults at the Y WA and how to get help if needed.
The Y Safeguarding eCommitment (adults)
Outlines the safeguarding responsibilities of adults at the Y WA, including staff, volunteers, and families.
Have a Concern?
To report a Safeguarding or Child Protection concern, please visit the secure online system below.