Statement of Commitment to the Safety of Children and Young People

Bonnie’s is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person who engages with our service. We believe all children and young people have the right to safe, supportive, and nurturing environments. We provide services and programs where children and young people are respected, valued, and protected from harm.

Child safety is a shared responsibility, and we implement proactive strategies to prevent abuse, respond effectively to concerns, and foster a culture that empowers children and young people, amplifies their voices, and meets their individual needs.

We show our commitment by:

• Taking a whole-of-organisation approach to child safety and wellbeing, where our board, leaders, staff, volunteers and community all share responsibility for protecting children and young people and helping them to thrive
• Being guided by a feminist philosophy of respectful, collaborative, and inclusive practice
• Actively seeking the voices of all children and young people and working in partnership with their families and communities; valuing the unique strengths, identities, and cultures each brings to our shared commitment to their safety and wellbeing
• Acknowledging the increased vulnerabilities of children and young people from diverse backgrounds, including from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children and young people with disabilities, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+
• Providing safe and supportive environments, with proactive risk prevention measures to protect and promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• Having clear, child-focused processes for responding to complaints and concerns, with zero tolerance for child abuse, and all reports are handled respectfully, thoroughly, and through a child-focused lens
• Continually improving our practices and regularly reviewing our policies and procedures to strengthen and enhance our work with children and young people
• Ensuring all our people – board, leaders, staff, volunteers, students – are suitable, competent, and trained to uphold the safety, rights, and cultural needs of every child and young person that we support.