Video summary

Safeguarding Children and Young People - Training

Main summary

Key takeaways

Wellness and Self-Improvement

Key wellness + self-care guidance (for trainees)

  • Complete the training in a comfortable, appropriate space.
  • Take breaks as needed.
  • Seek support if the content is distressing.
  • If the information raises questions or concerns, use the support services linked at the end of the video.

Trauma-informed response (core safeguarding communication)

Use a trauma-informed approach:

  • Calm, supportive, respectful, sensitive
  • Avoid actions/words that could create further trauma
  • Be a kind, patient listener—not an investigator

When someone discloses abuse:

  • Treat it as a request for help
  • Prioritise their safety and wellbeing
  • Use supportive language such as:
    • Thank them for trusting you
    • Ask if they feel safe
    • Reassure: “This is not your fault”
    • Say you believe them
    • Explain you must report to help keep them safe
    • Ask what support/people they want nearby during reporting (e.g., “Would you like anyone else here?”)

Reporting responsibilities (what to do)

  • If you work/volunteer with children/young people, you must legally report any information suggesting their safety or wellbeing is at risk.
  • Report all concerns, suspicions, allegations, and knowledge of child abuse.
  • If the concern is serious/urgent and a child is in danger:
    • Call police: 000
  • Otherwise, report to:
    • Strong Families Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line (ARL): 1800 000 123
    • Tasmania Police: 131 444 (for reasonable belief/knowledge of child abuse offences; seek advice if unsure)

The ARL can help protect the child by building a full picture of circumstances and advising next steps.

How to report effectively (practical method)

  • Provide clear, factual details (avoid opinions).
  • Consider writing a checklist/list before calling so you don’t forget details.
  • Record details of disclosures and what you observed, including:
    • what you saw/heard
    • any actions taken
    • when you made the report
  • Keep responses grounded in facts and explain why you have concerns (what the child/young person said or did).

What to look for (warning signs)

Signs may include:

  • fear, embarrassment
  • withdrawal from family/friends
  • anger, violence
  • depression
  • not looking after oneself
  • unexplained injuries
  • secrecy
  • anxiety

Also watch for signs of someone trying to gain closeness or time with a child.

Grooming: what it is and the stages

  • Grooming = gaining trust/intimacy to enable abuse (in-person or online).

Six stages of grooming

  • Targeting
  • Gaining trust
  • Filling a need
  • Isolating
  • Sexualizing
  • Maintaining control

Grooming can extend to family/support networks. Abusers may be known to the child/family (or may be unknown, including online).

When abuse involves other young people

Even if the harm involves another child/young person (not an adult), you must still report.

Some sexual behaviours are age/developmentally normal, but problematic/harmful sexual behaviour includes behaviours that are:

  • inappropriate for the child’s age/development level
  • harmful to the child or others
  • present in-person or online

Responding to harmful/problematic sexual behaviour (how to act)

  • Prioritise safety first.
  • Stay calm.
  • Use supportive, non-judgmental language.
  • Name the behaviour that is not okay.
  • Be mindful of your own values/triggers.
  • Don’t assume the child has been abused themselves.
  • Listen, and emphasise you want to help/educate where appropriate.
  • Always consider broader context and safeguarding concerns.

Child sexual exploitation material (legal/online safety)

  • Sexualized images/content involving anyone under 18 is illegal.
  • Don’t handle illegal content in ways that create more harm (e.g., don’t take screenshots/photos).

Reporting routes mentioned

  • Australian Federal Police via ACCCE: https://accce.gov.au
  • Office of the eSafety Commissioner can help with removal: https://esafety.gov.au

RWVP system (workplace safeguarding requirement)

  • RWVP (Registration to Work with Vulnerable People) helps reduce risk and supports safety.
  • It includes:
    • risk assessment
    • national criminal history checks
    • barriers for those with criminal histories to contact with children

Requirements mentioned

  • Employees, volunteers, contractors, external providers over 18 working at/attending a Department site must have a current RWVP card.
  • Those who will have contact with children must prove RWVP status; they’re not permitted to enter without it.

If you suspect risk from an RWVP-registered person

  • Speak to your manager
  • Contact ARL: 1800 000 123

Presenter(s) / Sources

  • Presenter (name not provided in subtitles)
  • Strong Families Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line (ARL): 1800 000 123
  • Tasmania Police: 131 444
  • Australian Federal Police – ACCCE: https://accce.gov.au
  • Office of the eSafety Commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au
  • Department of Justice (RWVP system oversight)
  • Department for Education, Children and Young People (sites requiring RWVP compliance)

Original video