Allowah is a registered, non-designated agency seeking to provide Specialised Substitute Residential Care [SSRC], primarily for children and young people with complex medical needs and disabilities.
Allowah’s Child and Family Centred Approach acknowledges the child-centred approach needed to care for children and young people, which puts the needs of the child at the centre of decisions made in relation to SSRC arrangements.
Allowah acknowledges that upholding the rights of children are paramount when arranging their care and is committed to providing a care environment where a child or young person’s:
rights are upheld and their needs are met – including altering the care environment when their needs change;
sense of identity is preserved;
maintains a connection to people and places significant to them;
social and emotional development, and their health and education are supported;
safety is considered and monitored;
privacy is maintained; and
belongings are cared for and kept safe.
Our Commitment to Child Safety
We recognise the right of all children and young people to live free from harm, abuse and exploitation.
We believe that Allowah ought to be a place of safety and refuge for children, young people, and others, that they be, and feel, safe from any threat when at Allowah or involved in activities operated by Allowah, or accessing services provided by Allowah.
We believe that Allowah should be a place where people can disclose abuse and have it dealt with effectively.
When making decisions about children and young people, the main consideration must be their safety, welfare, and wellbeing.
We recognise, welcome and uphold the Child Safe Standards at Allowah. These are:
Child safety is embedded in institutional leadership, governance, and culture.
Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
Families and communities are informed and involved.
Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account.
People working with children are suitable and supported.
Processes to respond to complaints of child sexual abuse are child focused.
Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training.
Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur.
Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved.
Policies and procedures document how the institution is child safe.
