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Safety and wellbeing at YDAS
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Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS) is committed to the safety and well-being of all disabled young people involved with our organisation.

We adhere to the Victorian Child Safe Standards, which are designed to protect individuals under 18 from various forms of abuse, including physical violence, sexual offenses, emotional or psychological harm, and neglect.
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The Commission for Children and Young People provides key guidance for organisations on the Child Safe Standards in Victoria and has a range of resources available.

For information and resources about other state and territory child safe requirements, visit the Australian Human Rights Commission website.

YDAS’ commitment to child safety

  • Zero tolerance for abuse: YDAS will not allow any kind of harm to children or young people. This includes physical violence, sexual offences, serious emotional or psychological abuse and/or neglect.
  • Stopping problems early: We focus on spotting dangers before they happen so we can keep disabled young people safe.
  • Taking concerns seriously: If someone reports a problem, we listen carefully and take action to fix it by following our policies and procedures.
  • Following the law: YDAS follows all rules and will tell the police or child protection services if someone might be in danger.
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Listening to young people

YDAS wants to hear from all young people and help you feel strong and included. We welcome and support everyone, especially those who may face extra challenges, like disabled young people, Aboriginal young people, LGBTQIA+ young people, and those from refugee or migrant backgrounds.
Illustration of a white disabled young person sitting on a couch, in conversation with a worker. There's a service dog asleep next to them.

Staff and volunteer responsibilities

Everyone who works or volunteers at YDAS must help keep all young people safe. If they hear about abuse, they must report it to the right people.
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Reporting safety concerns

  • Immediate danger: If there are immediate safety concerns about a child or young person, call emergency services at 000.
  • General concerns: For non-urgent safety concerns, visit the Australian Institute of Family Studies’ Reporting child abuse and neglect webpage to to find out how to report child safety concerns in your state or territory. In Victoria, contact child protection in the area where the child or young person lives. After 5 pm, or during weekends and public holidays, contact Child Protection After Hours on 13 12 78.
  • Concerns involving YDAS: If the concern involves YDAS, its partner agencies, or any of its employees or volunteers, contact YDAS’ Child Safety Officers:
 
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Complaints about YDAS or YACVic

If you wish to make a complaint about YDAS or YACVic – not a complaint about another agency or organisation – please visit our Complaints Policy and Procedure. Here you will find information about how to make a complaint.