Our Commitment to Child Safety and Wellbeing
Homeworld Helensvale Medical Centre is committed to providing a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for every child and young person who comes into our care.
The safety, wellbeing, rights and dignity of children and young people are fundamental to the way we provide healthcare. We have zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, neglect, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour towards children.
We are committed to:
- listening to children and young people, taking their views and concerns seriously, and involving them in decisions about their healthcare in ways appropriate to their age and capacity;
- providing care that respects each child's individual circumstances, including their culture, language, disability, gender, identity and family circumstances;
- creating an environment in which children and families feel safe to speak up, ask questions or raise concerns;
- respecting and supporting the cultural identity, safety and connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people;
- ensuring our doctors, nurses, staff and others working within our practices understand their responsibilities for protecting children and responding appropriately to concerns;
- identifying and reducing risks of harm and responding promptly and sensitively to concerns, disclosures or suspected harm; and
- continually reviewing our systems, policies and practices to strengthen child safety and wellbeing.
Our approach is guided by the Queensland Child Safe Organisations Act 2024, the 10 Queensland Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle for the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Child safety is everyone's responsibility. We encourage children, young people, parents, carers and families to tell us if something does not feel right or if there is something we could do better.
Concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child can be raised with any member of our team or directly with one of our Child Safety Leads. Concerns will be taken seriously and managed respectfully, sensitively and in accordance with our legal and professional responsibilities.