Principle 3: Families and communities are informed and involved
In this chapter you will learn
How your organisation involves families and the community in its approach to child safety and wellbeing.
Open communications and engagement
Your role in open communications and engagement
Your organization is responsible for:
Involving families and the community in its approach to child safety and wellbeing
Providing relevant policies, practices and information
Informing families about safeguarding children
Encouraging feedback and input
You, as a child facing team member are responsible for;
· Champion attitudes and behaviours that respect the human rights of all children and young people, and are inclusive, well informed and responsive to diverse needs.
· Participate in training to recognise and respond effectively to children and young people with diverse needs.
Open communication and engagement
Communicating with children, families, caregivers and other stakeholders about your organisation and its child safety practices is a valuable way to include them in the organisations’ operations, providing a level of awareness visibility and confidence.
While not every policy and procedure is required to be shared, there will be certain key policies, procedures and general information, that should be made available
Your role in Communication
While the primary responsibility is for your organisation to facilitate it,
You too, have a role in supporting this communication
· Listen to feedback from all stakeholder groups.
· Note key messages for the organisation.
· Collate personal information as required.
· Keep this information secure.
Four simple steps to working with caregivers and stakeholders
1. Ensure that you have written permission from caregivers.
2. Ensure registration and medical forms are completed, as required.
3. Listen to feedback from children and their caregivers and pass the information on to your Team Leader(s).
4. Keep private information secure.