1. Commitment to Child Safety
SAPHIRA SUPPORTS is committed to promoting and protecting the best interests of children and supporting a child safe culture. We have zero tolerance for child abuse, which includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse, grooming, neglect and family violence. Everyone working at SAPHIRA SUPPORTS is responsible for the care and protection of children and reporting information about suspected child abuse. SAPHIRA SUPPORTS Child Safe Commitment Statement All children who come to SAPHIRA SUPPORTS have a right to feel and be safe. SAPHIRA SUPPORTS is committed to the safety and well-being of all children whether they are direct service recipients or indirectly linked to our services such as children of customers. The welfare of children and young people is our first priority. We create a child safe and child friendly environment where all children are valued and heard, are safe and protected.
2. Aboriginal Cultural Safety
We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and young people in which their diverse and unique identities and experiences are respected and valued.
3. Valuing Diversity
We recognise all children and young people, regardless of their age, abilities, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, or social, economic or cultural background, have equal rights to protection from abuse. We value diversity, are committed to cultural safety and do not tolerate discrimination.
4. Children’s Rights to Safety and Participation
We are a child and youth-centred organisation and actively seek to understand what makes children and young people feel safe at SAPHIRA SUPPORTS. We value the voices of children and will act on concerns raised by children or their families regarding their safety.
5. Recruitment
When recruiting we address child safety requirements, including National Police and Working with Children Checks appropriate to Victorian Law.
We include questions about child safety in interviews where relevant and in all referee checks. Our personnel sign the SAPHIRA SUPPORTS Code of Conduct and Ethics.
6. Supporting SAPHIRA SUPPORTS Personnel
We train and support our personnel so they understand their responsibilities in relation to child safety and promoting a child safe culture and can identify signs of abuse.
7. Reporting Procedures
All SAPHIRA SUPPORTS Personnel report all suspected allegations of child abuse and/or neglect as per reporting procedures and relevant laws.
8. Record Keeping and Monitoring
We keep confidentiality and privacy for children and families according to law. Our committees monitor risks to children and make sure they are managed well.
9. Risk Management
We guide our risk management approach to minimise the potential for child abuse or harm to occur and uses this to inform our policies, procedures and services.
10. Failure to follow this Policy and the Code of Conduct and Ethics Breaches of this policy or the Code of Conduct and Ethics are investigated and may result in limited duties, suspension, termination of employment or other action including reporting to authorities.
11. Reviewing this Policy Our Child Safe and Wellbeing Policy, and this Snapshot, is reviewed every two years and we seek the views and suggestions from children, parents/ carers and personnel as part of this process.
Children refers to children and young people under the age of 18 years