Safety should not depend on a binder no one reads. We sat down with Debbie Ausburn and Tom Rawlings, national leaders in child welfare, youth protection, and organizational safety, to map a path from good intentions to everyday practices that actually keep kids safe. Drawing on decades as a prosecutor, juvenile court judge, state child advocate, and advisors to youth organizations, they show how to build policies people will use, not ignore.

We unpack the core problem: top-down, one-size-fits-all rules look strong on paper but fail on the ground. Debbie explains why zero tolerance breeds exceptions and silence, while Tom lays out a culture-first model where staff report small mistakes without fear so teams can learn and prevent bigger harms. Together, we stress a simple aim, stop isolation, using realistic supervision like open doors, line-of-sight checks, and leaders present on the floor. We also go beyond the predator lens to address peer-to-peer risk, bullying versus conflict, and the everyday recklessness that creates openings for harm.

You’ll get a clear starting plan for the first 30 days: name a child safety coordinator, form two teams (prevention and incident response), audit your files for background checks and references, and benchmark against regulations and industry standards. Then keep the momentum with annual surveys to gauge psychological safety and whistleblowing confidence, micro-trainings that fit busy schedules, and tabletop drills that build crisis “muscle memory.” This is how policy moves from compliance to culture, and how organizations earn parents’ trust.

Reach Debbie & Tom here: 
Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4airvz4
Website:  http://www.DebbieAusburn.com
Website: https://www.ysoacademy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahausburn/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OtherPeoplesChildrenLLC
X: @debbieausburn
Instagram: @debbieausburn

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Leadership In Law Podcast with host, Marilyn Jenkins 
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