Foster FNC: SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE POLICY
May 2023
- Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the FFNC position and commitment to the Safeguarding of Children and Young People.
- FFNC COMMITMENTS TO SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
FFNC support and accept the AFL’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy –
https://resources.afl.com.au/afl/document/2021/03/10/9768761f-40d8-4a58-a598-19704f397710/Safeguarding-Children-and-Young-People-Policy-version-dated-05032021-.pdf?_ga=2.42665765.1823898264.1655012847-1610964116.1596423499
All Children and Young People, regardless of their gender, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, sexual orientation, or family or social background, have equal rights to protection from Child Abuse.
The FFNC is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of all Children and Young People in our care who access our activities, programs, services or facilities including by fostering a culture in which Children and Young People feel safe.
As part of the FFNC’s commitment to the safeguarding of Children and Young People, the club commits to the following:
- A zero tolerance for Child Abuse.
- Provide an environment in which all Children and Young People feel supported and respected.
- The FFNC recognises the particular needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Children and Young People from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and Children and Young People with a disability and will implement culturally appropriate practices and procedures to address those needs.
- We will consider the opinions of Children and Young People and use their opinions to inform the development of policies and procedures in relation to the protection of Children and Young People.
- The FFNC will educate Children and Young People and their parents/guardians about self-protection and empowerment and ensure that relevant information and resources are accessible to them.
- In the event a concern or allegation is raised in relation to Child Abuse or any other inappropriate behaviour towards a Child or Young Person that has occurred while a Child or Young Person is under the club’s care, the FFNC will ensure it is treated seriously, in a culturally sensitive manner and fully investigated in accordance with this Policy, the Supporting Documents, any other related policies or procedures and relevant legislation.
- The club will actively promote the safety of Children and Young People throughout the FFNC community.
- Reporting and Obligations
If a Child or Young Person is at imminent risk of harm or in immediate danger, all AFL People are required to report the situation directly to the Police - CALL ‘000’ (within Australia).
FFNC are required to immediately report:
- any instance of any FFNC People breaching this Policy or the Safeguarding Children and Young People Code of Conduct;
- any instances, allegations or disclosures of Child Abuse or other inappropriate conduct such as Grooming or Bullying that they become aware of, or any concerns that they develop in relation to these matters.
- Investigation
If an appropriate child protection service, the police or the FFNC Child Safeguarding Officer investigate a report made, all FFNC People must co-operate fully with the investigation.
- Privacy
The FFNC will comply with all privacy laws (including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles) in handling any personal information as required by this Policy. All personal information collected or recorded by the FFNC in relation to the safety of Children and Young People will be treated seriously and the FFNC will respect the privacy of the individuals involved.
- Communication
The FFNC will communicate this Policy and any change to all FFNC people and community. This will involve a range of measures including (but not limited to) posters, social media posts and education sessions.
- Monitoring and Review
The FFNC Committee will review this policy at least annually and update where required to maintain appropriate measures and commitments to safeguarding children and young people.
