Children and young people's views on their safety in organisations in Tasmania

Investigators

Associate Professor Tim Moore, Emeritus Professor Morag McArthur (Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University)

Funding

Tasmanian Commission of Inquiry

Aims

This study aimed to explore the experiences of safety among children and young people in government-run or funded services in Tasmania. Findings were intended to inform the Tasmanian Commission of Inquiry's recommendations for preventing and responding to child harm within institutional settings.

Background

Established in 2021, the Tasmanian Commission of Inquiry examined the Tasmanian Government's responses to child sexual abuse allegations within its institutions, including schools, youth detention, and health facilities. The Inquiry sought insights into children's experiences in these settings to guide recommendations on institutional safety improvements.

Project details

The study, conducted by the Institute of Child Protection Studies, engaged 59 children and young people from Tasmania through interviews and focus groups to assess their perceptions of safety within government institutions. Topics included feelings of safety, confidence in reporting concerns, and awareness of risks such as bullying and abuse.

Research questions

• How safe children and young people feel in government institutions.
• Organisational factors that enhance or reduce their sense of safety.
• Their willingness and confidence to report safety concerns, the reporting pathways they would choose, and factors influencing these choices.
• Awareness and understanding of adult behaviours that may indicate risks, including grooming, in both physical and online environments.
• Awareness and understanding of harmful sexual behaviours among peers.

Findings

Participants differentiated between 'feeling safe' (comfort) and 'being safe' (risk-free). Safe environments were marked by caring adults, well-kept facilities, respect, stable relationships, and platforms for voicing concerns. However, disruptions in care and detention settings undermined safety and trust, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth particularly noting the lack of cultural safety and a need for culturally informed support.

While most felt generally safe, concerns about peer violence, harassment, and institutional responses were prominent. Participants requested clearer guidance on risk identification and reporting, and sought adult allies committed to listening and action.

The findings underscore the need for trauma-informed, proactive, child-safe environments supported by stable, culturally sensitive relationships that empower youth to feel secure.

Community impact

Findings from the report were included in comments at the Inquiry hearing and these were referenced 131 times in the Commission of Inquiry report that is informing state-based reform.

Channels of communication are open with stakeholders in the Tasmanian Department of Education, Children and Young People. As the department implements changes to improve children's safety in Tasmanian organisations, we can advocate for children's views to inform developments such as policy and child-centred practice.

Publications

Moore, T., & McArthur, M. (2022). Take notice, believe us and act! Exploring the safety of children and young people in government run organisations. Hobart: Tasmanian Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government's Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.

Moore, T., McArthur, M. & Fuzz Illustration (2022). What we learned from Tasmanian children [Animation]. Produced for Tasmanian Commission of Inquiry.

Animations and graphics

• Watch What we learned from Tasmanian children (full animation)
• Watch About this study (part 1 of full animation)
• Watch What makes an organisation feel safe for children? (part 2 of full animation)
• Watch What makes an organisation feel unsafe for children? (part 3 of full animation)
• What children and young people need from adults to feel safe (Flip book of key messages from children)

Project timeline

Completed in 2023

Contact

For more information contact: icps@acu.edu.au