One of the first things researchers need to understand is which members of the wider community need to be invited and consulted in the research. It is important to always ascertain the cultural protocols in the community and to follow these: “There may be very clear protocols relating to who can speak and on what topic people may speak” (Muller, 2014, p. 111). Researchers must keep in mind that the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander culture of a particular area or community is not always going to be homogenous. Most often the first contact in community will be Elders Councils or Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). Participants in our study explained that Elders are the holders of wisdom and knowledge – and should be the first contact points before seeking permission to enter communities to conduct research. It is essential that researchers seek to respect, recognise and collaborate with key knowledge holders in communities who can inform them of cultural protocols and traditional lore. Participants in the scoping study explained that it is Elders and grandparents who are often the ones providing places of safety for children within communities and that it would be important to locate the other champions of children’s safety within communities. Most suggested this would be strong women who often are: ‘our backbone, our strength in our community, in our cultures’. Participants suggested that locating these key people can take time and often involves ‘trial and error’. Participants reinforced that researchers will need to be prepared to be present and available within communities, to observe and talk with people who are willing to be the conduit to start ‘courageous conversations’.

#### Getting others involved during the study

At least one parent/carer should be consulted, included and asked to provide consent for their child to participate in research. Participants in this study identified that there may be additional, and in some cases alternate family or community members that should be included – this may have to be carefully assessed in consideration to the safety of the child and family. An inclusive model that encourages and enables these people to participate is ideal, but careful consideration should be given to the unique circumstances of each child. For example, in some cases, consent from parents will not be required (i.e., where the child is mature enough and/or living independently from parents/carers and the research is assessed to be in the child’s best interests). The safety, security and wellbeing of the child is the primary guiding factor in making assessments of who should be involved in consent processes. Recruitment material developed by the researcher should highlight the partnerships and processes that have been developed and undertaken – this may give children more confidence to be involved in the study. When conducting research with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people or communities, capacity building should also be a key focus of the research partnership. Participants in this study expressed that young people may need to be carefully supported (and possibly trained) to provide them with skills and confidence needed to engage with the research and take a leadership role in the research. Two methods

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