“I am important, ask me what I think, I want more choices, I have good ideas, sometimes I need help, everything is good, I am the same as other kids, I want to do the same activities, I am clever.” 9 year-old young person
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
Endnotes
