August 04, 2025

S3 Ep10 - From Survivor to Advocate: Jeanie Dean's Journey

1 hour 22 minutes

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 Challenges
05:28 - Coping Mechanisms and Consequences
09:17 - Turning Point: Arrest and Realisations
12:33 - Building a Life Together
17:30 - Breaking Cycles: Parenting and Self-Reflection
21:50 - Navigating Parenting Challenges
26:18 - Career Path: From Personal Struggles to Professional Advocacy
30:23 - The Complexity of Working with Offenders
34:01 - Navigating Personal Bias in Professional Roles
38:05 - The Challenges of Child Protection
43:17 - The Systemic Failures in Child Safety
48:10 - Creating Safe Environments for Children
56:51 - Trust and Disillusionment in Public Service
57:51 - Bridging the Gap in Public Service
58:42 - The Reality of Child Protection Work
01:00:57 - Navigating the Justice System for Children
01:02:29 - Expectations for Child Safety in Organisations
01:04:26 - Empowering Parents for Child Safety
01:06:21 - Understanding Risks for Older Children
01:08:05 - Meeting Children Where They Are
01:10:13 - Creating Safe Spaces for Disclosure
01:12:21 - Safeguarding Starts at Home
01:14:03 - Community Responsibility in Child Safety
01:15:47 - Policies and Culture in Organisations
01:17:34 - Observing Organisational Culture
01:19:43 - Intergenerational Culture in Sports
01:22:02 - Accountability in Child Safety
01:23:57 - The Importance of Compliance
01:26:31 - The Role of Safeguarding Solutions
01:27:42 - 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

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By Kristi McVee