The Commission for Children and Young People promotes the safety, wellbeing and rights of children and young people in Victoria. We do this by making sure that organisations that work with children and young people are keeping them safe. We also talk to the government about where they could be doing a better job in supporting children and young people and make recommendations to change things when they don’t work. To do this work we need to hear directly from young people about how things are going for them.
The world has changed a lot recently because of COVID–19 and we want to understand more about some of the challenges and difficulties you may be facing. This survey is one of the ways that we are trying to get a real understanding of what it’s like for young people, so that we can talk to government and other service providers about how they can improve things
If you don't like filling out surveys, we can ask these questions over the phone with you. Just contact us at engage@ccyp.vic.gov.au or on 1300 78 29 78 and let us know if you'd like to contribute in a different way.
Participation in this survey is voluntary. Some of the questions might be upsetting to answer, so you can skip any question you don’t want to answer. If you change your mind, you can stop the survey at any time and your responses will not be saved. A list of support services you can contact is at the bottom of the page.
Privacy and confidentiality
Before you start the survey you need to read this section and check the box to say that you have understood what it says and consent to participating in the survey.
Any information that you give us is confidential and anonymous, but, if you wish to be informed of updates on this work you can provide your email address or phone number to us. We will not share your email address with any third parties (other organisations). Your email address will not be linked to your survey response.
We may share your responses with staff at the Commission for Children and Young People and with the government to show them where they could be doing a better job in supporting and keeping young people safe. We may also include your responses in published documents, such as reports, but we will not use your name or any of your personal details when we do that.
It is a requirement that if you tell us anything that is of serious concern, we have to report this to the appropriate authorities.
Unless you identify yourself, this is an anonymous survey. You will not have access to your survey response once it has been submitted.
Concerns about the process
Please tell us if you are worried about any of the information you are asked to provide to the Commission – for example, if you:
- are worried about the process, including how we have collected, used or stored your information
- if you have a concern about your experience during the survey, or
- if you want to make a complaint.
You can contact the CEO Annie Tinney on 1300 78 29 78 or send an email to engage@ccyp.vic.gov.au
Survey link
So, let’s get started! Click here: https://s.alchemer.com/s3/YoungPeopleCOVID
Support services
Here are some different organisations that you can contact if you need help or support:
Lifeline Australia
What they do: Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Ph: 13 11 14
Available 24/7
Kids Helpline
What they do: Free and confidential counselling via telephone, web, and email.
https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Ph: 1800 55 1800
Available 24/7
eHeadspace
What they do: Free and confidential phone and online service for young people 12-25 years. Qualified youth mental health professionals provide support to young people worried about their mental health or experiencing issues such as depression, bullying and isolation.
https://www.eheadspace.org.au for online counselling
Ph: 1800 650 890 (9.00am–1.00am)
Youth Beyond Blue
What they do: Free and confidential calls and chats with trained mental health professionals.
https://www.youthbeyondblue.com (3.00pm–12.00am)
Ph. 1300 22 4636
Available 24/7
Frontyard Youth Services
What they do: If you are a young person aged 12–25 years who is experiencing homelessness, is at risk of homelessness, is disengaged or requiring support, Frontyard can support to make decisions about your future.
Ph. 03 9611 2411 or 1800 800 531 (Monday–Friday 9.00am–8.00pm, Saturday and Sunday 10.00am–6.00pm)
If you or someone else is unsafe or anyone's life is in danger, call 000.