2x2 Child Safe Policy and Workers Code of Conduct for NSW
Jul 23, 2019 8:05:24 GMT -5
snow, Roselyn T, and 2 more like this
Post by CherieKropp on Jul 23, 2019 8:05:24 GMT -5
The following two documents were "Developed and endorsed for New South Wales 1st July 2019. Review due 2021."
They were distributed last week to friends in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
These documents are posted on Telling The Truth website. Permission is granted to copy and distribute.
Policy Statement
As a fellowship we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children (under the age of 18). All children have a right to feel safe. We are committed to the safety and well-being of all children. We will ensure that a caring and appropriate response is initiated should abuse or suspicion of abuse occur.
This policy was written with a focus on children who come into contact with any part of the fellowship.
The testimony of our fellowship is supported and maintained by an open and transparent policy.
Purpose
The safety, welfare and well-being of children is paramount; we believe children should never experience abuse of any kind.
• We are committed to conduct ourselves in a way that protects and safeguards children from any possible harm.
• We are committed to support and respect the healing of survivors of abuse within the fellowship.
• We have zero tolerance to abuse and will comply with reporting requirements of any suspicion of abuse, on reasonable grounds, to the authorities.
• There will never be any attempt to manage reported abuse within the fellowship.
• We encourage reporting of any suspected abuse.
• To report in NSW (can be anonymously), phone Department of Family and Community Services Child Protection Helpline 132111. In ACT phone Child and Youth Protection Services – 1300 556 729.
We recognise parental responsibility for providing education and boundaries to maintain child safety. We will respect any boundaries parents have in place. We encourage open conversation and education in families around child safety.
We expect members of the fellowship to keep children safe.
This policy will be available to people participating in the fellowship.
Any person under investigation or convicted of an offence against a child will not be permitted to participate in activities that provide access to children.
We support a ministry that is itinerant and relies on the support of the fellowship to enable the Gospel to be shared.
All workers have a responsibility to be aware of and support all aspects of a child-safe environment.
They will undertake the following:
• Complete child-safe training every 3 years.
• Complete police checks every 3 years.
• Adhere to this policy and the Workers’ Code of conduct.
• Ensure they are respectful of and acknowledge the rights of children at all times.
• Complete appropriate training before joining the staff in NSW.
Governance
• We will ensure biennial review of this policy or as required.
• We will maintain record keeping in respect of governance of the requirements of this policy.
• All workers will complete the appropriate training before commencing in the Gospel work and will be provided with the Workers’ Code of Conduct.
• All workers will be provided with NSW regulations and information in regard to reporting requirements.
• Visiting workers will be provided with a copy of this policy and the Workers’ Code of Conduct.
Developed and endorsed for NSW 1st July 2019. Review due 2021.
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Tim 4:12. “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thess. 5.22
Children (Under 18) are a vital part of our fellowship; all Workers are responsible for promoting their safety, protection and well-being.
I will:
• Adhere to the Child-Safe Policy and this Code of Conduct at all times.
• Be a positive role model to children.
• Follow accepted guidelines relating to physical contact.
• Set clear boundaries about appropriate behaviour between children and myself and respect a child’s boundaries and personal space.
• Listen and respond appropriately to the views and concerns of children.
• Be transparent in my actions and whereabouts in relation to contact with children.
• Apply the “rule of two” – avoid spending time alone with children, ensuring parents know and support this boundary, and have educated their children about it.
• Wear publicly appropriate clothes in common areas during visits with families.
• Address inappropriate behaviour towards children.
• Ask for help if I am uncertain about child safety, or this Code of Conduct, or believe I have breached this Code.
• Report suspected child abuse and neglect to the authorities as soon as reasonably practicable.
I will not:
• Engage in behaviour or communication that causes children to feel uncomfortable, afraid or disempowered.
• Use language that is inappropriate, offensive, harassing, abusive or sexually suggestive or provocative when speaking around children.
• Use any computer, mobile phone, video or camera to exploit or harass children.
• Minimise or cover up a suspicion or allegation of abuse.
• Do things for children of a personal nature that they can do for themselves, such as assisting with toileting.
• Hit or physically assault. This includes refraining from physical punishment or engaging in discipline.
• Display favouritism, develop inappropriate or sexual relationships, or indulge in any form of sexual contact with children
• Engage in the grooming of children and/or families
• Rely on my position or my reputation and that of the fellowship to protect me.
• Investigate a suspicion or allegation of abuse by questioning a child or individuals involved but rather defer the matter to authorities.
• Dismiss a child’s concerns or discourage disclosure.
• Allow any child to enter a bedroom where I am staying in the company of myself and a co-worker.
Some examples of appropriate and/or acceptable behaviour
• Handshakes, pats on the shoulder or back and shoulder-to-shoulder hugs.
• Holding hands while walking with small children.
• Having discussions one-on-one with older children in public accessible areas.
• Encouraging children to respect personal spaces, i.e. knock on doors before entering.
Some examples of inappropriate and/or unacceptable behaviour:
• Developing intimate or special relationships with children.
• Advising children to keep communications or interactions secret.
• Holding a small child on the lap except in the presence of an adult member of the family. Lifting or placing a school age or older chid on your lap.
• Wrestling, tickling, piggy-back rides or massaging.
• Remarks that relate to sexual attractiveness or development.
• Showing physical displays of affection in isolated areas of the premises such as bedrooms, bathrooms, private areas of the home or cars.
• Sharing a bedroom with a child.
• Inappropriate or lengthy hugs or kisses on the mouth.
• Touching buttocks, genital areas, chest, knees, thighs or legs.
Some examples of environments where additional caution should be used:
• Camping environment.
• Convention grounds.
• Swimming areas
• Physical sporting events
• Workers staying with families without a co-worker.
• I recognise that children have the right to feel safe at all times.
• I recognise that child abuse has ongoing impacts and that the first step in healing for survivors starts with the telling of their experience.
• Should a child disclose abuse to me I will respond with compassion and care. I will not make promises to the child I cannot keep, e.g. in relation to a child asking to keep matters confidential. Instead I will advise the child, “I will do everything I can to keep you safe.”
• I will do all I can to make the child feel heard and supported.
• I will complete mandatory reporting as required.
These documents are posted on Telling The Truth website. Permission is granted to copy and distribute.
www.tellingthetruth.info/workers_articles/csa.php
They were distributed last week to friends in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
These documents are posted on Telling The Truth website. Permission is granted to copy and distribute.
Policy Statement
As a fellowship we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children (under the age of 18). All children have a right to feel safe. We are committed to the safety and well-being of all children. We will ensure that a caring and appropriate response is initiated should abuse or suspicion of abuse occur.
This policy was written with a focus on children who come into contact with any part of the fellowship.
The testimony of our fellowship is supported and maintained by an open and transparent policy.
Purpose
The safety, welfare and well-being of children is paramount; we believe children should never experience abuse of any kind.
• We are committed to conduct ourselves in a way that protects and safeguards children from any possible harm.
• We are committed to support and respect the healing of survivors of abuse within the fellowship.
• We have zero tolerance to abuse and will comply with reporting requirements of any suspicion of abuse, on reasonable grounds, to the authorities.
• There will never be any attempt to manage reported abuse within the fellowship.
• We encourage reporting of any suspected abuse.
• To report in NSW (can be anonymously), phone Department of Family and Community Services Child Protection Helpline 132111. In ACT phone Child and Youth Protection Services – 1300 556 729.
We recognise parental responsibility for providing education and boundaries to maintain child safety. We will respect any boundaries parents have in place. We encourage open conversation and education in families around child safety.
We expect members of the fellowship to keep children safe.
This policy will be available to people participating in the fellowship.
Any person under investigation or convicted of an offence against a child will not be permitted to participate in activities that provide access to children.
We support a ministry that is itinerant and relies on the support of the fellowship to enable the Gospel to be shared.
All workers have a responsibility to be aware of and support all aspects of a child-safe environment.
They will undertake the following:
• Complete child-safe training every 3 years.
• Complete police checks every 3 years.
• Adhere to this policy and the Workers’ Code of conduct.
• Ensure they are respectful of and acknowledge the rights of children at all times.
• Complete appropriate training before joining the staff in NSW.
Governance
• We will ensure biennial review of this policy or as required.
• We will maintain record keeping in respect of governance of the requirements of this policy.
• All workers will complete the appropriate training before commencing in the Gospel work and will be provided with the Workers’ Code of Conduct.
• All workers will be provided with NSW regulations and information in regard to reporting requirements.
• Visiting workers will be provided with a copy of this policy and the Workers’ Code of Conduct.
Developed and endorsed for NSW 1st July 2019. Review due 2021.
Workers’ Code of Conduct
Children (Under 18) are a vital part of our fellowship; all Workers are responsible for promoting their safety, protection and well-being.
I will:
• Adhere to the Child-Safe Policy and this Code of Conduct at all times.
• Be a positive role model to children.
• Follow accepted guidelines relating to physical contact.
• Set clear boundaries about appropriate behaviour between children and myself and respect a child’s boundaries and personal space.
• Listen and respond appropriately to the views and concerns of children.
• Be transparent in my actions and whereabouts in relation to contact with children.
• Apply the “rule of two” – avoid spending time alone with children, ensuring parents know and support this boundary, and have educated their children about it.
• Wear publicly appropriate clothes in common areas during visits with families.
• Address inappropriate behaviour towards children.
• Ask for help if I am uncertain about child safety, or this Code of Conduct, or believe I have breached this Code.
• Report suspected child abuse and neglect to the authorities as soon as reasonably practicable.
I will not:
• Engage in behaviour or communication that causes children to feel uncomfortable, afraid or disempowered.
• Use language that is inappropriate, offensive, harassing, abusive or sexually suggestive or provocative when speaking around children.
• Use any computer, mobile phone, video or camera to exploit or harass children.
• Minimise or cover up a suspicion or allegation of abuse.
• Do things for children of a personal nature that they can do for themselves, such as assisting with toileting.
• Hit or physically assault. This includes refraining from physical punishment or engaging in discipline.
• Display favouritism, develop inappropriate or sexual relationships, or indulge in any form of sexual contact with children
• Engage in the grooming of children and/or families
• Rely on my position or my reputation and that of the fellowship to protect me.
• Investigate a suspicion or allegation of abuse by questioning a child or individuals involved but rather defer the matter to authorities.
• Dismiss a child’s concerns or discourage disclosure.
• Allow any child to enter a bedroom where I am staying in the company of myself and a co-worker.
Some examples of appropriate and/or acceptable behaviour
• Handshakes, pats on the shoulder or back and shoulder-to-shoulder hugs.
• Holding hands while walking with small children.
• Having discussions one-on-one with older children in public accessible areas.
• Encouraging children to respect personal spaces, i.e. knock on doors before entering.
Some examples of inappropriate and/or unacceptable behaviour:
• Developing intimate or special relationships with children.
• Advising children to keep communications or interactions secret.
• Holding a small child on the lap except in the presence of an adult member of the family. Lifting or placing a school age or older chid on your lap.
• Wrestling, tickling, piggy-back rides or massaging.
• Remarks that relate to sexual attractiveness or development.
• Showing physical displays of affection in isolated areas of the premises such as bedrooms, bathrooms, private areas of the home or cars.
• Sharing a bedroom with a child.
• Inappropriate or lengthy hugs or kisses on the mouth.
• Touching buttocks, genital areas, chest, knees, thighs or legs.
Some examples of environments where additional caution should be used:
• Camping environment.
• Convention grounds.
• Swimming areas
• Physical sporting events
• Workers staying with families without a co-worker.
• I recognise that children have the right to feel safe at all times.
• I recognise that child abuse has ongoing impacts and that the first step in healing for survivors starts with the telling of their experience.
• Should a child disclose abuse to me I will respond with compassion and care. I will not make promises to the child I cannot keep, e.g. in relation to a child asking to keep matters confidential. Instead I will advise the child, “I will do everything I can to keep you safe.”
• I will do all I can to make the child feel heard and supported.
• I will complete mandatory reporting as required.
These documents are posted on Telling The Truth website. Permission is granted to copy and distribute.
www.tellingthetruth.info/workers_articles/csa.php