Makodah Care is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person we support. Our approved Child Safety Commitment Statement sets out that commitment and our zero tolerance for abuse.
Children and young people should have a voice in their supports. We listen to what they say, take their concerns seriously and involve them in decisions in ways that suit their communication and understanding.
Our lived experience model includes a parent perspective, alongside a commitment to hearing the child or young person directly in a way that works for them. Their preferences and communication needs belong in planning, together with the safeguards described below.
What our commitment requires
Every worker supporting a child must hold a current Working With Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening Clearance, checked before their first shift. Workers sign the Child Safety Code of Conduct and complete child safety training every year.
The commitment also covers respect for each child’s culture, disability, language, gender and sexuality. Our approach is reviewed against the ten NSW Child Safe Standards each year. The full approved statement is available below.
Clear professional boundaries
The Participant Handbook explains boundaries for workers supporting children and young people. These include personal contact and social media, gifts, photographs and time outside an agreed shift.
Families can tell us what helps their child feel safe, how they communicate discomfort and what has changed in their needs or supports. Children should also know they can tell a trusted person if something feels wrong. They will not get in trouble for raising a concern.
Raising a concern
You can tell a worker, use our Contact page or follow the reporting options in the Child Safety Commitment Statement. You may raise a concern anonymously. Nobody will be treated differently for speaking up.
We report concerns to the relevant authorities as required and explain what is happening, unless doing so would place the child at greater risk. If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services. A website form is not an emergency response service.
For families considering support, the first conversation is a chance to discuss the child’s needs and the arrangements we can safely provide. Availability and suitability are assessed before supports are agreed.
Read the Child Safety Commitment Statement (PDF)Read the Participant Handbook (PDF)Raise a concern