Theme 1 - "We all have the right to feel safe all the time"

Theme 2 - "Nothing is so awful that we can't talk to someone about it"

When presenting the program, a number of the concepts and strategies are presented with each of the themes

Overview of key terms

Early Warning Signs

These are specific, physical sensations that can be noticed by each of us internally and non-verbally. These are body sensations that serve as indicators that we are at risk or that risk is increasing.

One Step Removed

This strategy requires that sensitive issues are framed in the third person so that students ore not asked to place themselves in difficult or threatening situations - even by "pretending". This is extremely important but relatively easy to do.

Networking and Network Review

Networking is about communication. Children identify four trusted adults, in addition to the ones in their family they can contact if the are not feeling safe. Children regularly review the responses of the people they have listed on their network and the continued availability of these people.

Persistence

This means providing encouragement to ourselves and others to work through our network people until enough intervention has happened, early warning signs have gone, so that children feel safe again.

Protective Interrupting

This strategy is used to protect students from disclosing personal issues in a group setting. It requires sensitivity and use of protective and redirecting statements.

       Implementation and Resources

The Protective Behaviours Consultancy Group of New South Wales provides training for both individuals and organisations to assist in the implementation of the program into their workplace, with their clients in their classroom and at home. To help with the training and implementation, the Consultancy group has available an extensive range of resources suitable for all age levels.