The Youth Disability Advocacy Network is committed to safety, wellbeing, and empowerment of children and young people. We foster a culture where child safety is lived and breathed in every decision and interaction across our organisation, consistent with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, which emphasise the vital role of leadership in embedding child‑safe culture.
YDAN maintains a zero‑tolerance stance toward all forms of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and view child safety as a shared responsibility that belongs to every staff member, volunteer, contractor, manager, and leader.
This commitment becomes reality through child safety governance and compliance; we uphold rigorous recruitment and screening processes, including mandatory Working with Children Checks; and provide ongoing, evidence‑based training so our people can recognise, prevent, and respond to risks of harm in line with best‑practice guidance.
We ensure clear and accessible reporting pathways for concerns, including anonymous and child‑friendly options, with strong protections for anyone who raises a concern, and we act promptly and transparently, including fulfilling external reporting obligations as required under Western Australia’s child‑safe oversight system. If you have a concern you would like to report, click here. You can also call our office on (08) 6164 9825.
We are committed to continuous improvement through annual reviews of our child‑safety policies, risk assessments, complaints data, training outcomes, and alignment with the National Principles, ensuring our organisation remains vigilant, accountable, and relentlessly focused on creating environments where all children feel safe, respected, included, and heard.
YDAN is committed to upholding the rights of children in line with the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This is a global agreement, agreed to by the Australian government, to make sure all children can grow up safe, healthy, and heard. The UNCRC specifies 54 Rights that children and young people have. You can see a youth-friendly version here.
Below are some of the key rights that every child and young person has.
✨ 1. The Right to Be Yourself
Every child has the right to be treated fairly – no matter your background, abilities, identity, or beliefs. Discrimination is never okay.
🧠 2. The Right to Be Heard
You have the right to share your opinions about things that affect you – and adults should listen and take you seriously.
💖 3. The Right to Life, Survival & Development
Every child has the right to grow up healthy – physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. This includes things like nutritious food, healthcare, and support for your wellbeing.
🏡 4. The Right to a Name, Identity & Family
You have the right to a name, a nationality, and an identity — and to be cared for by your family whenever possible.
📚 5. The Right to Learn
Every child has the right to go to school and get a quality education that helps you build your future.
🩺 6. The Right to Good Health Care
You have the right to medical care, clean water, nutritious food, and a safe place to live so you can stay healthy.
🛡️ 7. The Right to Be Safe
Children must be protected from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Adults and governments have a responsibility to keep you safe.
🎮 8. The Right to Play & Rest
Play isn’t just fun – it’s a right! You deserve time to relax, explore, and enjoy childhood.
🗣️ 9. The Right to Express Yourself
You can share your ideas and express your thoughts freely – through talking, writing, art, or any way you choose (as long as it respects others).
💬 10. The Right to Know Your Rights
Children should be taught what their rights are – because knowing your rights helps you protect them.
