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Child Protection Policy

1. Introduction

TAG Holiday Programs is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all children participating in our sports-based holiday program. This Child Protection and Safety Policy outlines the principles and procedures that guide our organisation to ensure the well-being of every child under our care.
 

2. Scope

This policy:
• applies to all program staff, volunteers, and contractors whether they work in direct or indirect contact with the children attending our programs.
• applies in all physical environments used by participants during or outside of program hours.

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3. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  1. Establish a framework for the protection of children in our care.

  2. Clearly outline the responsibilities of all staff, volunteers, and participants in maintaining a safe environment.

  3. Foster a culture of awareness and openness regarding child safety.

 

4. Commitment to Child Safety

TAG Holiday Programs is a child-safe organisation which welcomes all children, young people, and their families. We are committed to providing environments where our participants are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Our child safe policies, strategies and practices are inclusive of the needs of all children and students. We have no tolerance for child abuse and take proactive steps to identify and manage any risks of harm to participants in our programs. We take proactive steps to identify and manage any risk of harm to participants in our environment. When child safety concerns are raised or identified, we treat these seriously and respond promptly and thoroughly. Particular attention is given to the child safety needs of Aboriginal students, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, international students, students with disabilities, those unable to live at home, children and young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) and other students experiencing risk or vulnerability. Inappropriate or harmful behaviour targeting students based on these or other characteristics, such as racism or homophobia, are not tolerated at our program, and any instances identified will be addressed with removal from our program.

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5. Legal Compliance

TAG Holiday Programs acknowledges and adheres to all relevant legislation, including but not limited to the Working with Children Check (WWCC) and the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) requirements. All staff and volunteers are required to obtain and maintain a valid WWCC or VIT.
 

6. Staff Requirements

  1. All staff and volunteers involved in the holiday program must undergo a thorough screening process, including reference checks and police checks.

  2. A valid WWCC or VIT is mandatory for all individuals working with children.

  3. Screening procedures will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure their effectiveness.

  4. All staff and volunteers will participate in child safety training provided by the Department of Education and Training, and always follow our child safety policies and procedures;

• act in accordance with our Child Safety Code of Conduct;

• identify and raise concerns about child safety issues

• ensure participants views are taken seriously and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives; and

• implement inclusive practices that respond to the diverse needs of students.
 

7. Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers must adhere to a Code of Conduct that includes guidelines on appropriate behavior, communication, and interaction with children. This includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Treating all children with respect and dignity.

  2. Avoiding situations where an individual is alone with a child, if possible.

  3. Refraining from engaging in any form of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse.

 

8. Managing Risks to Child Safety and Wellbeing
TAG Holiday Programs identify, assess, and manage risks to child safety and wellbeing in our physical environments. Our Child Safety Risk Register is used to record any identified risks related to child abuse alongside actions in place to manage those risks. We will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the actions in the Child Safety Risk Register at least annually.

 

9. Establishing a Culturally Safe Environment

At TAG Holiday Programs, we are committed to establishing an inclusive and culturally safe program where the strengths of Aboriginal culture, values and practices are respected. We think about how every participant can have a positive experience in a safe environment. We have developed the following strategies to promote cultural safety in our school community:
• Express zero tolerance of racism in our statement of commitment to child safety included in our Child Safety Policy and other documents.
• Address racism from participants, staff, volunteers, or visitors directly.
 

10. Reporting

  1. All staff and volunteers are obligated to report any concerns or suspicions about child abuse or neglect to the designated Child Safety Officer.

  2. The Child Safety Officer will follow the organisation's procedures for reporting to the appropriate authorities and will maintain confidentiality insofar as it does not compromise the safety of the child.

  3. If there is an incident, disclosure, allegation or suspicion of child abuse, all staff and volunteers must follow our Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations Policy and Procedures. Our policy and procedures address complaints and concerns of child abuse made by or in relation to a child or staff, volunteers, contractors, service providers.

  4. As soon as any immediate health and safety concerns are addressed, and relevant staff have been informed, we will ensure we follow:
    • the Four Critical Actions for complaints and concerns relating to adult behaviour towards a child; and
    • the Four Critical Actions: Student Sexual Offending for complaints and concerns relating to student sexual offending.

11. Training and Education

  1. All staff and volunteers will receive training on child protection, safety procedures, and the organization's policies.

  2. Regular updates and refresher training will be provided to ensure ongoing awareness and compliance.

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12. Communication

TAG Holiday Programs is committed to communicating our child safety strategies to the community through:
• ensuring that key child safety and wellbeing policies are available on our website including the Child Safety Policy (this document)
• ensuring that child safety is a regular agenda item at staff meetings.

Parents, guardians, and participants will be informed of the organisation's Child Protection and Safety Policy through various channels, including the website, and program materials.
 

13. Review and Evaluation

This policy will be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, and organizational needs. Feedback from staff, volunteers, and participants will be considered during the review process.

By implementing and adhering to this Child Protection and Safety Policy, TAG Holiday Programs aims to create a secure and nurturing environment for every child participating in our sports-based holiday program.

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