Our Commitment to Protecting Children

At Mahlie’s Mission, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We are a lived‑experience‑led organisation built from a mother’s journey through trauma, uncertainty, and the urgent need for compassionate, child‑centred care. Because of this, we hold ourselves to the strongest possible standards of child safety, dignity, and respect.

We are committed to creating environments — online, in person, and in community — where children are safe, heard, protected, and supported at all times.

 

Our Child‑Safe Promise

We commit to:

• Putting children first in every decision we make

• Creating trauma‑aware, supportive environments for children and families

• Listening to children and families with empathy and respect

• Recognising parents and carers as experts in their child’s needs

• Ensuring all volunteers uphold child‑safe behaviour

• Responding to concerns immediately and appropriately

• Protecting privacy and sensitive information

• Complying with all relevant child safety laws

Children deserve to feel safe, valued, and protected — always.

 

Our Approach to Child Safety

 

1. Trauma‑Aware Practice

Mahlie’s Mission was born from lived experience with medical trauma. We understand how easily systems can harm children — even unintentionally. Our approach ensures:

• children are never placed in distressing situations

• parents are included, informed, and respected

• children’s emotional needs are prioritised

• all interactions are gentle, predictable, and safe

 

2. Respect & Dignity

Every child is treated with kindness, patience, and respect. We recognise that children with disabilities, communication differences, or medical needs may be more vulnerable — and we take extra care to protect them.

 

3. Listening to Children & Families

We believe children communicate in many ways — through words, gestures, behaviour, and emotion. We listen to all of it. We also recognise parents and carers as the primary experts in their child’s wellbeing.

 

4. Safe Adults & Safe Behaviour

All volunteers and representatives of Mahlie’s Mission must:

• act respectfully and ethically

• maintain appropriate boundaries

• follow child‑safe conduct expectations

• avoid any behaviour that could cause harm

• uphold confidentiality and privacy

• complete child‑safety training when required

 

5. Protecting Privacy

We handle all personal and medical information with care and confidentiality. Stories are only shared with explicit consent. Children’s identities are protected unless a parent or guardian chooses otherwise.

 

If Something Goes Wrong

We take all concerns seriously — no matter how small they may seem.

If a child, parent, volunteer, or community member raises a concern about safety, wellbeing, or behaviour, we will:

• listen without judgement

• respond promptly

• take appropriate action

• report concerns when required by law

• ensure the child and family feel supported

 

You can raise a concern at any time through our Contact Page.

 

Our Legal & Ethical Responsibilities

Mahlie’s Mission complies with:

• National Principles for Child Safe Organisations

• Tasmanian Child and Youth Safe Standards

• Mandatory reporting requirements

• Privacy and confidentiality laws

• Ethical guidelines for working with children and families

 

We are committed to continuous improvement and regular review of our child‑safe practices.

 

A Message From Our Founder

“No child should ever experience fear, trauma, or dismissal in a system meant to protect them. Mahlie’s Mission exists because my daughter lived through that — and I will do everything in my power to ensure no other child does.” — Dannielle Murfet, Founder