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Draft Child Protection Policy
The Alliance board has developed a draft policy to ensure the Sustainable Neighbourhood network promotes and protects the interests and safety of children. The main points to note include:
Zero tolerance. The Alliance and the Sustainable Neighbourhood network has zero tolerance for child abuse.
Everyone is responsible. All Sustainable Neighbourhood volunteers and staff are responsible for the care and protection of children and for reporting information about child abuse.
Risk management. We encourage the participation of families, including children, in many of our events and projects. Sustainable Neighbourhood groups must consider and document any risks associated with child safety as part of the Alliance’s risk management process.
Child supervision. Whenever children are present and/or participating in a Sustainable Neighbourhood event, children must be under the direct supervision of their parent or guardian (eg school teacher) at all times. This must be clearly communicated to all participants.
Sustainable Neighbourhood volunteers must never be responsible for the direct supervision of any child (except their own), and should avoid contact with children unless other adults are present.
Working with Children Checks. Some Sustainable Neighbourhood events or projects may be directed primarily at children. For example, a kids’ vegie gardening workshop, craft activities for children, presenting an environmental education workshop at a school, or having a facepainter as part of a larger event. In this case, relevant Sustainable Neighbourhood volunteers, or the person providing the child-related service may be required to complete a Working with Children Check. The check is free for volunteers.
Reporting. Any staff member, volunteer or contractor who has grounds to suspect abusive activity must immediately notify the appropriate child protection service or the police. They should also advise the relevant Sustainable Neighbourhood group member and the Alliance Secretariat.
You can download the complete draft policy here. We welcome your comments or suggestions on the draft policy by Thursday 14 April.
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