The Safeguarding Children Microcredentials will equip you with the knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues and responses to safeguarding children and young people. Acknowledging local and global challenges, these microcredentials integrate current research and best practice to empower educators with the skills needed to implement effective, and culturally sensitive safeguarding practices.
Register your interestGrounded in the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations in alignment with relevant state-based child safe standards, each microcredential addresses gaps in current training by providing flexible, in-depth learning opportunities that support ethical decision-making, trauma-informed care, and community collaboration.
Each microcredential can be completed progressively or as a standalone course.
This microcredential introduces the core principles of safeguarding, incorporating international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). It emphasises leadership, ethical responsibilities, and the empowerment of children, forming the foundation for the safeguarding microcredential series.
This microcredential examines the ethical dilemmas professionals encounter in safeguarding children, particularly focusing on the delicate balance between promoting autonomy and fulfilling mandatory reporting obligations. Participants will explore various ethical frameworks, applying these theories to real-world challenges involving the protection of vulnerable children and adolescents.
This microcredential examines the ethical dilemmas professionals encounter in safeguarding children, particularly focusing on the delicate balance between promoting autonomy and fulfilling mandatory reporting obligations. Participants will explore various ethical frameworks, applying these theories to real-world challenges involving the protection of vulnerable children and adolescents.
This microcredential examines the role of welfare systems in safeguarding children, with a focus on those affected by family violence and mental health challenges. It provides an in-depth exploration of welfare-based interventions aimed at protecting vulnerable children and emphasises the importance of collaboration with external agencies, such as healthcare providers, welfare services, and law enforcement.
This microcredential provides a comprehensive understanding of child protection laws and policies at national and international levels, with a focus on educational institutions. Participants will examine key legal frameworks, such as the UNCRC and UNCRPD, that underpin child safety and will learn how to develop compliant policies that ensure the well-being of children.
This microcredential focuses on assessing and managing risks to child safety, particularly in digital and online environments. Participants will learn how to identify and evaluate risks related to both physical and online threats, including cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to harmful content. They will develop skills to conduct thorough risk assessments and create risk management plans that address the unique needs of vulnerable children, including those with disabilities.
Tailored and blended programs are available for organisations and Catholic partners, offering a hybrid format including asynchronous online learning, face-to-face intensives, and optional live drop-in sessions to support students. For more information on our bespoke professional learning opportunities email: LLE@acu.edu.au
This is a highly flexible course, providing teachers with a robust foundation of evidence-informed knowledge and skills to better harness student outcomes.
To successfully complete each microcredential, students will need to pass a series of multiple-choice assessments and written assignments.
Following the successful completion of each microcredential, you will receive a digitally coded certification badge that can be shared on your professional profiles, including LinkedIn. This badge is proof of your award and can be used to gain credit in relevant courses when pursuing further study.
By finishing two to six microcredentials, you can earn up to 30 credit points towards the Graduate Certificate in Education or the Master of Education at ACU.
Dr Jonathon Sargeant is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Children’s Rights, Inclusive Education, and Classroom Management. He has published widely on children's education and participation rights, student wellbeing and ethical research with children. His current research focus is on the practical application of the child’s voice in education settings to enhance child safety, as well as incorporating children and young people's perspectives in ethical practices.
Dr Sargeant’s other research interests include children's wellbeing enhancement and positive approaches to behavioural support. His recent work has focused on educating the community on the rights of the child and the benefits and necessity of giving children and youth a voice regarding their futures. His previous work experience includes assisting teachers, students, and families in addressing behaviour management issues through voice-inclusive practices.
View Dr Jonathon Sargeant’s profile
We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday
If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.