Wungening has a zero tolerance of child abuse. Zero.
At Wungening, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do. We believe every child has the right to grow up feeling safe, respected, valued and connected — to their family, community, culture, and country.
This commitment is guided by our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, our Code of Conduct, and our Reporting Abuse or Neglect Policy. Together, these set clear expectations for all staff, volunteers, students, contractors, and partners who engage with children and families through our services.
Safeguarding Children at Wungening
A Child-Safe, Child-Centred Organisation
We are committed to creating environments where children and young people feel nurtured, listened to, protected, and empowered. This commitment is guided by our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, our Code of Conduct, and our Reporting Abuse or Neglect Policy.
Wungening’s approach is grounded in cultural understanding, trauma‑informed practice, and a strong belief that children thrive in safe, connected, caring environments. By setting clear expectations, listening to children, empowering families, and ensuring every staff member understands their responsibilities, we work every day to keep children and young people safe.
If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of a child or young person in our services, please speak to a staff member or contact us directly, via the complaints form.
Wungening works hard to make sure every interaction, program and environment is safe and supportive. We do this by:
- Providing safe, culturally secure, and nurturing spaces for all children and young people across our services.
- Recognising and valuing the cultural rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and supporting their strong connections to family, culture, and country.
- Ensuring children and young people have opportunities to express their views, be heard, and participate in decisions affecting them.
- Welcoming all children, including those with disability, from diverse cultural backgrounds, and children of all identities.
- Parents and carers are key partners in keeping children safe. We commit to open communication about your child’s wellbeing, clear information about their rights and our safeguarding policies, and supporting families wherever possible.
We Take Concerns Seriously — Always
Keeping children safe means responding quickly and appropriately to concerns. Wungening has clear processes that ensure:
- Any staff member or volunteer who has a concern must report it immediately.
- Children and families are listened to, supported, and treated with respect.
- All allegations, disclosures, or signs of possible abuse or neglect are managed with care and in line with legislation.
- We work closely with parents and carers, and share information where appropriate and safe to do so.
Our reporting procedures follow WA’s legal requirements for child safety, including mandatory reporting and the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
WA Ombudsman can also be contacted if you would like to make a complaint about Wungening in relation to child safety or our response to raised concerns.
To learn more, please request any of our Wungening Policies.
Need more help?
Please reach out to one of the following helplines:
· 13YARN | 13 92 76 | 24/7 A national, free, confidential crisis support line by mob, for mob, staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counsellors. Supports children, young people, parents and carers experiencing distress, abuse or family violence.
· Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) 1800 551 800 | 24/7 phone & webchat Confidential counselling about abuse, family violence, bullying, or anything worrying them Website: kidshelpline.com.au [kidshelpline.com.au]
· Lifeline (all ages) | 13 11 14 | 24/7 Crisis support and emotional support Website: lifeline.org.au [accce.gov.au]
· 1800RESPECT | 1800 737 732 | Text 0458 737 732 | 24/7 Counselling and support for sexual assault, domestic and family violence (including for children and young people) Website: 1800respect.org.au [1800respect.org.au]
· QLife | 1800 184 527 | Webchat | 3pm–9pm daily Anonymous, free LGBTIQ+ peer support for children, young people, parents and carers.
✔ Run by LGBTIQ+ people
✔ Supports families, carers and friends
✔ Safe for conversations about abuse, family violence, identity and wellbeing
Support for parents & carers:
· 13YARN | 13 92 76 | 24/7 A national, free, confidential crisis support line by mob, for mob, staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counsellors. Supports children, young people, parents and carers experiencing distress, abuse or family violence.
· Ngala Parenting Line (WA) | (08) 9368 9368 or 1800 111 546 (country callers) 8am–8pm, 7 days Professional advice and support for parents and carers of children 0–18 [healthdirect.gov.au], [ngala.com.au]
· 1800RESPECT Support for parents and carers worried about a child experiencing abuse or violence 1800 737 732 | 24/7 [1800respect.org.au]
· Lifeline | 13 11 14 | 24/7 For parents in crisis or needing emotional support [accce.gov.au]
· QLife | 1800 184 527 | Webchat | 3pm–9pm daily Anonymous, free LGBTIQ+ peer support for children, young people, parents and carers.
✔ Run by LGBTIQ+ people
✔ Supports families, carers and friends
✔ Safe for conversations about abuse, family violence, identity and wellbeing
Reporting concerns about a child (WA):
· Department of Communities – Central Intake Team | 1800 273 889 To report concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing [wa.gov.au]
· Crisis Care Helpline | 1800 199 008 🕒 24 hours, 7 days a week
Crisis Care provides Western Australia’s after-hours response for:
✔ Concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing
✔ Family and domestic violence
✔ Homelessness or risk of homelessness
✔ People experiencing a personal or family crisis
