When to tell an adult
Speak to an adult leader whenever you notice, or someone tells you about, any of these:
- Anyone being hurt, bullied, frightened, or made to feel unsafe, whether at AChA or anywhere else.
- Someone who seems very upset, withdrawn, unwell, or not themselves.
- A friend who shares something heavy, about their safety, their home, or how they are feeling inside.
- Conflict that is getting out of hand, or anything you are being asked to keep secret that worries you.
- Anything at all that just does not feel right, even if you cannot explain why.
You do not have to be sure. “I’m probably worrying over nothing, but…” is the perfect way to start. Let the adult decide what to do with it; that is their job, not yours.
Who to tell, and how
Find a trusted adult at AChA, your conductor, a program leader, or a staff member, and tell them in person. If it is urgent or about someone’s immediate safety, interrupt and tell them straight away; that is always okay.
You, or anyone, can also report a concern in confidence using the Child Safety Incident & Concern Report. For anything about wellbeing or welfare, you can reach the team at youth@australianchristianarts.com.
If someone is in immediate danger, always call 000 first.
Two promises
What helps: remember two things. First, you are never in trouble for raising a concern in good faith, even if it turns out to be nothing. Second, if a friend asks you to keep a secret that involves someone being unsafe, you cannot promise that, and you should not try to. The kindest, most loyal thing you can do is help them get to someone who can actually help.
Part of Your Leadership Development Guide.