Welcome to National Child Protection Week 2024! This year’s theme, “Every Conversation Matters,” highlights just how much every chat can impact the safety and well-being of our children. Building on the idea that “Every child in every community needs a fair go,” we see that conversations between kids and caregivers, friends, families, professionals, and even in public forums are crucial for fostering support and understanding.
At Marist180, we are dedicated to amplifying young voices through our refreshed Youth Advisory Forum (YAF), where we bring together our young people in Out of Home Care program for an engaging session at La Valla, Blacktown. This initiative aligns with our commitment to make a positive impact, as captured poignantly in the guiding principles from the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat:
“We draw on both the Marist tradition and imagination; To be game-changers for young people, particularly those most on the peripheries. We foster connectedness and communion…”
The YAF is a vital platform for these young people to provide feedback and help us improve in various areas. As the group met for the first time, we shared with them the areas and aspects of conversation and dialogue we seek to explore and hear their thoughts and reflections on:
· Marist180 People: contributing to selection criteria, the recruitment process, evaluation (when appropriate)
· Facilities: ways to adjust/improve the house environment
· Activities: ways that these might be negotiated and planned differently
· New projects and ideas: to explore and investigate
· Service: Why does Marist180 do things the way they do? Consultation about ‘Policies and Procedures’ being proposed or reviewed.
The session was marked by lively conversation and a genuine willingness to speak, listen, and learn. We’re excited to keep these discussions going and plan to meet at least five times a year to ensure that young people’s voices are heard and acted upon.
While we can’t share photos from the Forum due to privacy reasons, the images on our website and other media reflect our commitment to inclusive and attentive dialogue, shared discussions, and meaningful engagement.
As per the Marist Association excerpt, we believe the Forum is all about Marist connectedness and communion, bringing together those often found on the peripheries, in the hope that together we can be game-changers, care-changers, life-changers…
Let’s use National Child Protection Week to celebrate the power of conversation. Get involved, share your thoughts, and help us make sure every child in every community gets the fair go they deserve. Together, let’s make every conversation count.