The NSWTA supports a child-safe culture with values and practices that guide the attitudes and behaviour of all staff, volunteers and members. Good leaders champion these values and embed them in organisational governance. The following values should be at the heart of any approach that prioritises children’s safety:
- The best interests of children and their protection from harm is paramount.
- Child abuse is not tolerated and must not happen.
- Children’s rights are understood and respected.
- Concerns about child safety raised by children and their parents and carers are acted on.
- Reporting abuse is not obstructed or prevented
Reporting
If you believe a child is in immediate danger or in a life-threatening situation, contact the Police immediately on 000.
In the event of a complaint or allegation of child abuse that indicates child abuse has/may have or is likely to occur, you must immediately notify the police and/or the relevant state/territory government agency.
For information on reporting allegations of child abuse, you may view the reporting procedure here
Child Safe Standard
The Children’s Guardian Amendment (Child Safe Scheme) Bill 2021 introduced 10 Child Safe Standards to create safer environments and organisations.
- Child safety is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
- Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
- Families and communities are informed and involved
- Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account
- People working with children are suitable and supported
- Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child focused
- Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training
- Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur
- Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved
- Policies and procedures, document how the organisation is child safe
Actions to help implement child safe standards for your club.
- Electing or appointing a nominated Child Safe Officer (s)
- Conduct an annual Office of Children’s Guardian self-assessment, this is a use friendly took to guide your club’s continuous improvement – great resource to start.
- Endorsing and upholding the NSW Touch Football Associations’ Child Safe Commitment Statement at Affiliate meetings.
- Ensure your club is registered as an employer with the Office of the Children’s Guardian and carry out verification on all volunteers and officials working with children.
- Note Child Safe education and WWCC employer status is part of Service NSW requirements for Active Kids providers.
- Endorsing theTFA Safeguarding Children and Young People Framework and distribute the Child Safe Code of Behaviour.
- Liaise with children at your club. Find out if they feel safe and what you can do to make them feel safer? – one way to do this is to develop a short online survey for parents and children to complete.
- Complete the Child Safe Sport eLearning modules
- Make sure committee members and leaders complete the eLearning
- Undergo a self-assessment, start to consider what child safety risks are at your club, and what you can do to mitigate them
- Start talking to children at your club. Find out if they feel safe and what you can do to make them feel safer.
- Encourage parents and coaches to complete the eLearning
Sport Integrity Australia documents:
- Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
- Children and Young People Safe Practices
- Recruitment of Staff and Volunteers in Child-Related Positions
- Events Involving Overnight Stays
- Communicating Online or Electronically with Young People and Children in Sport
Member Protection Information at your Association
All participants need to be able to contact the MPIO at their club. The name and phone number of the MPIO must be made available without question to any person requesting it. The MPIO’s name and contact details should also be listed on the organisation’s website and other correspondence to ensure your members are able to seek information regarding Member Protection options within the club. MPIO course available here
Useful Resources for Affiliates:
