Through their Eyes is a day long program that assists individuals to understand their exisiting legal obilgations in reporting concern when a child is or likely to be at risk.
The Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 requires every person to safeguard and promote the outcome that children and young people be kept safe from harm.
Any person who is an employee of, or volunteer in, an organisation formed for religious or spiritual purposes (i.e. the church) are obliged by law to notify the Department for Child Protection if they suspect on reasonable grounds that a child/young person is, or maybe, at risk;
and the suspicion is formed in the course of the person's work (whether paid or voluntary) or in carrying out official duties.
Notification to the Child Abuse Report Line (13 14 78) must be made of that suspicion as soon as practicable after he or she forms the suspicion.
Part of the church’s ongoing best practices is to provide training opportunities for people to understand their legal responsibility.
Training “Safe Environments – Through their eyes”
The training course is the standard accredited package and the trainers are all approved by the department to deliver this content. Please note – this is not the DECD RAN version of the course.
Full 1 day (7 modules)
The training covers:
Defines child "at risk" or "risk of harm"
How to identify it
Why, when and how to make a notification
How to respond, support and protect a child or young person who has been abused
Refresher training is also offered for those who have participated in training previously and it has been 3 years since last participating. If you have not participated in a training session for a period greater than 4-5 years then attendance is recommended at the full course.
Length of full day: 7 modules, commencing at 9.30am and finishing by 4.00pm.
Participants are expected to attend the whole training session.
Scheduled breaks are provided for lunch, morning tea.
Who should attend?
This is educative awareness training for anyone who has contact with children and vulnerable people.
E.g. Ministers, Leaders of Sunday School, Youth Group, Pastoral Carers / visitors, Crèche, Childcare, Playgroup, etc,.
The course is open to anyone who would like to understand their legal obligation. It is a requirement that those in placements/positions and in specified ministries/leadership roles will participate and complete training in this field once every three years.
