Conversations with Kristi

• Series 3 - Special Episode, Child Safety in Early Education: A Critical Discussion with Chey Carter

  Summary In this special episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi McVee and Cheyenne Carter discuss the critical issues surrounding child safety in early childhood education. They explore Chey's journey in the field, the impact of COVID on childcare quality, and the importance of transparency and communication between parents and childcare providers. The conversation delves into the dynamics of grooming and abuse, the psychological aspects of offenders, and the need for better training and support for educators. Parents are encouraged to be vigilant and proactive in ensuring their children's safety, while also understanding the systemic challenges faced by educators. The episode concludes with actionable steps for parents to take in assessing childcare environments and reporting concerns. Takeaways Child safety must be prioritised in childcare settings. COVID has exacerbated challenges in early childhood education. Grooming behaviours are often subtle and manipulative. Parents should be proactive in asking questions about childcare. Transparency from childcare providers is crucial for trust. Staff ratios and breaks are essential for child safety. CCTV can assist but is not a comprehensive solution. Legislative gaps exist in childcare safety regulations. Understanding offender psychology can help in prevention. Parents should feel empowered to report concerns. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Child Safety Concerns 02:28 - Chey's Journey in Early Childhood Education 04:25 - Consulting for Better Standards in Education 06:18 - The Importance of Child Safety in Education 07:39 - Kristi's Background in Child Protection 11:19 - Understanding Grooming Behaviours 12:02 - Identifying Patterns Among Offenders 12:28 - The Role of Grooming in Abuse 14:31 - Creating Safe Relationships in Childcare 19:15 - Staffing Ratios and Child Safety 22:01 - The Role of CCTV in Child Safety 23:35 - Legislation and Child Safety Measures 26:23 - Working with Children's Checks and Their Limitations 29:14 - The Psychology of Offenders and Child Safety 31:28 - The Impact of Early Exposure to Inappropriate Content 34:55 - Understanding Different Types of Offenders 36:24 - Ensuring Child Safety in Educational Settings 38:51 - Parental Vigilance and Transparency in Childcare 41:47 - Navigating Compliance and Regulatory Standards 45:15 - The Importance of Consistency in Regulatory Practices 49:37 - Empowering Parents and Educators to Report Concerns 52:40 - Advocating for Better Support for Educators 01:00:19 - Episode Close & Follow-Up Information For additional resources and support services, please head to my website at https://www.cape-au.com/free-resources You can also watch the full video version of this episode on my YouTube channel at To learn more and connect with Chey please head to https://www.divergented.com.au/ and follow her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheyannecarter/?originalSubdomain=au

  --------  

  1:01:10

  --------

  1:01:10
• S3 Ep10 - From Survivor to Advocate: Jeanie Dean's Journey

  Episode Summary: In this heartfelt conversation, Kristi McVee and Jeanie Dean discuss Jeanie's journey from being a survivor of childhood sexual abuse to becoming an advocate for child safeguarding. They explore the challenges of coping with trauma, the impact of addiction, and the importance of supportive relationships. Jeanie shares her experiences working with sex offenders and in child protection, emphasising the need to see the person behind the behaviour. The conversation also touches on parenting through trauma and the struggle to break cycles of abuse, ultimately highlighting the journey of self-discovery and healing. In this conversation, Jeanie and Kristi delve into the complexities of child protection, discussing systemic failures, personal trauma, and the importance of creating safe environments for children. They emphasise the role of organisations and parents in safeguarding children, the need for open communication, and the community's responsibility in ensuring child safety. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by professionals in the field and the necessity for proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals. Key Takeaways: Jeanie is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and family violence. Coping mechanisms often lead to unhealthy behaviours, such as drug use. Arrest can serve as a turning point for change and self-reflection. Supportive relationships can be life-saving and transformative. Parenting through trauma requires awareness and intentionality to break cycles. Understanding child safeguarding is crucial for protecting vulnerable individuals. Working with sex offenders requires separating the person from their behaviour. Therapy and self-discovery are essential for healing from trauma. Labels like 'victim' can be triggering and limiting for survivors. Personal growth involves accepting oneself without needing a title. Systemic failures in child protection lead to repeated trauma. Personal experiences shape professional choices in child welfare. Creating child safe environments is essential for community organisations. Organisations must understand their legal duties regarding child safety. Parents should actively inquire about child safety policies in organisations. Older children face unique risks that require vigilant supervision. Open communication is crucial for safeguarding children. Community responsibility is vital in creating safe environments for kids. Education and awareness are key for parents in safeguarding their children. Child safety policies must be actively lived and enforced within organisations. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Challenges05:28 - Coping Mechanisms and Consequences09:17 - Turning Point: Arrest and Realisations12:33 - Building a Life Together17:30 - Breaking Cycles: Parenting and Self-Reflection21:50 - Navigating Parenting Challenges26:18 - Career Path: From Personal Struggles to Professional Advocacy30:23 - The Complexity of Working with Offenders34:01 - Navigating Personal Bias in Professional Roles38:05 - The Challenges of Child Protection43:17 - The Systemic Failures in Child Safety48:10 - Creating Safe Environments for Children56:51 - Trust and Disillusionment in Public Service57:51 - Bridging the Gap in Public Service58:42 - The Reality of Child Protection Work01:00:57 - Navigating the Justice System for Children01:02:29 - Expectations for Child Safety in Organisations01:04:26 - Empowering Parents for Child Safety01:06:21 - Understanding Risks for Older Children01:08:05 - Meeting Children Where They Are01:10:13 - Creating Safe Spaces for Disclosure01:12:21 - Safeguarding Starts at Home01:14:03 - Community Responsibility in Child Safety01:15:47 - Policies and Culture in Organisations01:17:34 - Observing Organisational Culture01:19:43 - Intergenerational Culture in Sports01:22:02 - Accountability in Child Safety01:23:57 - The Importance of Compliance01:26:31 - The Role of Safeguarding Solutions01:27:42 - Introduction to Child Safety Education For additional resources and support services, please head to my website at https://www.cape-au.com/free-resources You can also watch the full video version of this episode on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/GGJWDiFTm9Y To learn more and connect with Jeanie please head to https://safeguardingsolutions.com.au/ and follow her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/jeanie-dean-90a46483

  --------  

  1:22:39

  --------

  1:22:39
• S3 Ep9 - Empowering Children Through Storytelling with Kerri Sloper

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kerri Sloper shares her journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and her mission to empower children and parents through her children's books. Kerri discusses the healing power of music and writing, the importance of speaking out, and the role of parents in preventing abuse. She emphasises the need for open communication about good and bad touching and how her books serve as tools for healing and understanding. The conversation highlights the significance of breaking the cycle of abuse and fostering a safe environment for children. Key Takeaways: Kerri Sloper is a musician and author who writes children's books about her experiences with childhood sexual abuse. Her books aim to help both children and adult survivors relate to their experiences and find healing. Music and writing have been crucial coping strategies for Kerri throughout her healing journey. Kerri emphasises the importance of speaking out about abuse to help others heal. She believes that forgiveness is an internal journey that does not require forgiving the abuser. Kerri's books are designed to be relatable for children and to help them understand their feelings about abuse. Parents play a vital role in preventing abuse by trusting their instincts and believing their children. Teaching children about good touching and bad touching is essential for their safety. Kerri's mission is to break the cycle of abuse and empower future generations. The conversation highlights the importance of open communication between parents and children about sensitive topics. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Kerri Sloper and Her Journey03:06 - The Healing Power of Storytelling05:44 - Navigating the Impact of Childhood Trauma08:50 - Understanding the Complexity of Belief and Truth11:42 - The Role of Forgiveness in Healing14:57 - The Journey of Writing and Sharing Her Story17:41 - Breaking the Cycle of Abuse20:32 - The Importance of Internal Healing23:20 - The Process of Writing and Publishing Books24:24 - The Journey of Writing and Inspiration26:01 - Understanding the Target Audience for Children's Books28:48 - Exploring Themes of Healing and Resilience30:28 - The Importance of Forgiveness in Healing32:32 - Navigating the Complexities of Disclosure35:42 - The Role of Art in Healing38:15 - Spreading Awareness and Reducing Stigma40:17 - Empowering Parents to Protect Their Children For additional resources and support services, please head to my website at https://www.cape-au.com/free-resources You can also watch the full video version of this episode on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/O12JXIWLDDw To purchase Kerri's books please head to https://www.amazon.com.au/s?i=books-single-index&rh=p_27%3AKerri%2B%2BJ%2BSloper&s=relevancerank&text=Kerri++J+Sloper&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1 and follow her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/kerri-sloper-a56420253

  --------  

  43:13

  --------

  43:13
• S3 Ep8 - Navigating Self-Development with Susan Dunlop

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Conversations with Kristi we catch up with Susan Dunlop, Susan discusses her journey through self-development, the challenges of family dynamics, and her understanding of avoidance in personal growth. She reflects on her childhood experiences and the conscious choices she has made to improve her relationships and emotional well-being. Key Takeaways: Self-development requires conscious practice and effort. Family dynamics can significantly impact personal growth. Avoidance can hinder emotional connections and relationships. Recognising patterns from childhood is crucial for healing. It's important to make conscious choices in relationships. Personal growth often involves confronting difficult emotions. Therapy can provide valuable insights into personal behaviour. Breaking free from past patterns is a liberating experience. Emotional well-being is a continuous journey. Connection with others is essential for personal development. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Child Development and Healing03:46 - Understanding Abuse and Its Impact on Development06:46 - The Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Adulthood09:38 - The Drama Triangle: Roles in Trauma Responses12:35 - Parenting and Communication: Breaking the Cycle17:40 - Conscious Choices: Moving Beyond the Drama Triangle23:04 - Emotional Healing: Feeling to Heal26:00 - Understanding the Drama Triangle28:16 - The Impact of Childhood Experiences30:53 - Empowering Future Generations33:30 - The Ripple Effect of Change36:07 - Finding Your Voice and Healing41:05 - Rediscovering Leadership Through Trauma42:34 - The Impact of Sibling Sexual Abuse44:49 - Starting Conversations on Abuse46:13 - Understanding the Complexity of Abuse48:09 - Navigating Historical Cases of Abuse51:34 - Being a Supportive Listener53:42 - The Importance of Trauma-Informed Leadership55:48 - Introduction to Child Safety Education For additional resources and support services, please head to my website at https://www.cape-au.com/free-resources You can also watch the full video version of this episode on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/hWvGKx-e8vg To learn more and connect with Susan please head to https://susandunlop.com.au/ and follow her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/susan-dunlop-641526142

  --------  

  56:46

  --------

  56:46
• S3 Ep7 - Navigating Trauma: A Journey of Healing with Diane Tarantini

  Episode Summary: In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, I speak with Diane Tarantini, a body safety educator and author, about the critical importance of conversations surrounding child safety and trauma. We discuss Diane's personal journey as a survivor of childhood abuse, the significance of body safety education, and the alarming statistics regarding child sexual abuse. The conversation emphasises the need for open discussions about difficult topics, the impact of pornography on youth, and the role of therapy in healing. Diane shares valuable tips for parents on how to create safe spaces for their children to talk about their experiences and feelings, highlighting the importance of consistent communication and education in preventing abuse. Key Takeaways: Every conversation about child safety is vital. Survivors often hide their trauma until they can't anymore. Body safety education is crucial for children. Conversations about difficult topics should start early. Statistics show a high prevalence of child sexual abuse. Peer-to-peer abuse is a growing concern. Education on consent and safe touch is essential. The impact of pornography on youth is significant. Therapy can be a powerful tool for healing. Writing can help survivors process their experiences. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Connection Across Borders02:09 - Diane's Journey: From Survivor to Educator06:22 - The Importance of Open Conversations06:58 - Statistics and Disclosure of Childhood Trauma10:40 - Understanding Peer-to-Peer Abuse14:24 - The Role of Pornography in Child Abuse18:29 - The Impact of Unsupervised Internet Access22:55 - Consequences of Misguided Sexual Education27:20 - Navigating Parenting in a Complex World27:49 - Understanding Body Safety and Consent30:03 - The Dynamics of Grooming and Peer-to-Peer Abuse32:54 - The Impact of Family Dynamics on Abuse35:56 - The Role of Parents in Recognising Abuse38:54 - The Complexity of Emotional and Physical Abuse41:48 - The Journey to Therapy and Healing46:02 - The Role of Trauma in Parenting50:35 - Exploring EMDR Therapy for Trauma Recovery56:11 - Healing from Trauma: The Power of Memory Work59:36 - Understanding Complex Trauma and Its Effects01:02:03 - Empowering Children: Body Safety Education01:06:05 - Fostering Open Conversations with Kids01:12:17 - Navigating Difficult Topics: Communication Strategies01:15:33 - The Journey of Writing and Sharing Stories For additional resources and support services, please head to my website at https://www.cape-au.com/free-resources You can also watch the full video version of this episode on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/MboNI4FsHAY To learn more and connect with Diane please head to https://dianetarantini.com/ and follow her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/diane-tarantini-b883938a

  --------  

  1:22:41

  --------

  1:22:41

Weitere Bildung Podcasts

Trending Bildung Podcasts

Über Conversations with Kristi