Convi provides one-to-one support and mentoring with Alex Attard, based in Anglesea and supporting families across the Surf Coast, Geelong and Bellarine.
What you can expect
Every young person should feel respected, have a say and know that their concerns matter. I take child safety seriously in the everyday details: where we go, how we communicate, the boundaries we keep and what happens if something is wrong.
Abuse, neglect, grooming and exploitation have no place in Convi’s support. I work with families to understand each young person’s needs and plan support around them.
For young people
You can say when something does not feel right.
- You can ask what is happening, ask for a break or say you are uncomfortable.
- You can tell me, someone at home or another adult you trust. You do not have to tell me first.
- You can use words, writing, pictures or your usual way of communicating.
- You will not get in trouble for telling someone about a worry.
I will listen and explain what happens next. If someone is unsafe, I may need to tell people who can help. I will not ask you to keep a safety concern secret.
Planning support together
Before we start, we talk about what your young person enjoys, how they communicate and what helps them feel comfortable. We also discuss health and safety needs, supervision, transport and who can collect them.
Activities need to suit the young person and the support available that day. If something cannot be done safely, we pause and work out another approach.
Families stay involved, and the young person’s views matter too. Support should respect their background, culture and identity. Racism, bullying and discriminatory behaviour are addressed.
Clear boundaries
Contact stays connected to support and uses agreed channels. I do not use secret messages, ask young people to keep our relationship secret or form personal social-media friendships with them.
Physical assistance must have a proper purpose and respect the young person’s body and privacy. Convi does not authorise regulated restrictive practices while operating as an unregistered NDIS provider.
Photos and publicity need separate permission. Saying no does not affect support. You can ask about screening, training or the safeguards for a particular activity at any time.
Raising a concern
You do not need to be certain that something is wrong before asking for help. You can raise a concern in person, by phone or by email, and have someone support you to do so.
Alex Attard
0444 560 189
alex@convi.au
I take safety concerns seriously, act on immediate risks and explain the next steps. Information is shared only as needed and allowed by law. If telling a family member could place a child at risk, I seek advice from the appropriate authority first.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. Convi’s phone and email are not a 24-hour emergency service.
Speaking to someone outside Convi
You can go directly to an external authority, including when your concern is about me. You do not need my permission or have to use Convi’s process first.
- NDIS Commission
- Concerns about the safety or quality of NDIS support.
1800 035 544 · How to raise a concern - Victorian Disability Worker Commission
- Concerns about a disability worker’s conduct.
1800 497 132 · Worker safety concerns - Child Protection
- Concerns that a child needs protection.
West Division: 1300 360 462
After hours urgent concerns: 13 12 78
Check the right regional contact - Social Services Regulator
- Victorian child-safety standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
Report a child-safety allegation
Alex does not investigate or decide an allegation about his own conduct. Convi cooperates with authorities and arranges impartial handling where a provider investigation is needed.
Our child safety policy
The full policy explains the safeguards, reporting pathways and responsibilities behind this statement. You can ask for a copy or have it explained in a way that works for you.
Feedback from young people and families helps improve how Convi works. The policy is reviewed at least annually, and sooner if something important changes.
Participant safeguarding and incident records are kept internally in Zanda with controlled access. See how Convi responds to incidents and our approach to distress. Please contact Alex to arrange a suitable way to share sensitive information.