Equity is upheld and diversity needs respected

National Principle 4: Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.

The strengths and differences of all children and young people should be celebrated regardless of age, ability, sex, gender, economic or cultural background. When organisations recognise and respond to the diverse needs of children and young people and their families, they will be more child centred and enable children and young people to participate more effectively.

Children and young people and their families will feel comfortable and welcome when services and activities are provided in culturally safe and inclusive ways. A culturally safe environment is one ‘where there is no assault, challenge or denial of [a person’s] identity, of who they are and what they need.’¹ Involving families, community leaders or specialists will reduce the risk of exclusion, bullying, abuse or discrimination. Furthermore, families and communities are more likely to access services that are culturally safe and experience better outcomes in such services.

Keeping Our Kids Safe - resources produced by SNAICC for the National Office for Child Safety

Child Safe Organisations: Diverse needs - Australian Human Rights Commission

National Disability Standards - Australian Government

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Cultural Needs - SNAICC

Inclusive Youth Service Provision - Rainbow Network

Keeping Aboriginal Children Safe In A Mainstream Organisation - Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency

Resources for Service Directors: Cultural Connections - Child Australia

SECCA App: Relationships and sexuality education - SECCA

Endnotes

1. Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse 2017, Final Report, Volume 1, Commonwealth of Australia, Sydney, p. 322.