Child Safe Policy
We want children who participate in our program to have a safe and happy experience. We support and respect our children, their families and our volunteers.
Introduction
Our policy guides volunteers on how to behave when interacting and engaging with children in our organisation. The policy focuses on how we can build and maintain a child safe environment which is inclusive, transparent and promotes children’s participation.
Children’s Participation
Our organization supports the active participation of children in the programs, activities, and services we offer.
We provide a range of ways to allow children to provide feedback or raise concerns. We listen to their views, respect what they say and involve them when we make decisions, especially about matters that will directly affect them.
Recruitment
To provide safety for children this organisation recruits volunteers committed to maintaining a child-safe environment. This is conducted through necessary interviews in addition to ensuring they possess a “Working with Children Check” (WWCC) and have been advised about the Child Safe eLearning Course.
Complaints Management and Reporting
- In the case of any complaints immediately contact Sailability NSW at 0491 570 156. The complaint will be followed up with investigations as well as the contacting of the NSW office of Children’s Guardian.
- You can personally contact the NSW office of Children’s Guardian at 132 111. Other services include the Department of Family and Community Services and the NSW Ombudsman.
Training, support and supervision of workers
- We promote respect, fairness and consideration for all volunteers and participants
- All new volunteers will receive a copy of all children safe policies and procedures and a more senior volunteer will set up a meeting to discuss the policies and allow the new volunteer to ask questions and clarify their understanding
- Advising volunteers to take the Child Safe eLearning Course and ensuring their possession of a WWCC (Working with Children Check)
Other legislation, industry standards or internal policies
- Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
- Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
- WWCC (Working with Children Check)
- Child Safe eLearning course
Communication
The policy will be accessible to both volunteers and participants online through the website: www.sailabilitygosford.org.
All volunteers will be made aware of updates or adjustments to the policy.
Review
The policy and guidelines will be reviewed every two years and incorporate comments and suggestions from our range of stakeholders (including volunteers, children, and families)
