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 and be 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, or belong to the fellowship.

The testimony of our fellowship is supported and maintained by an open and transparent policy.

Purpose

The safety, welfare and wellbeing of the child is paramount, we believe a child 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 to the authorities as mandated.
• There will never be any attempt to manage reported abuse within the fellowship.
• To report, (can be anonymously) phone Families SA via Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) on 131478, or online via https://my.families.sa.gov.au/IDMProv/landing.html  In NT Child Abuse Hotline 1800 700 250.
• We would encourage reporting of any suspected abuse.

We recognise parental responsibility for providing education and boundaries to maintain child safety. We will respect any boundaries that parents have in place in this regard. 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 who is under investigation or convicted of an offence against a child will not be permitted to participate in activities which provides 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 and Elders are responsible for being aware of, and supporting all aspects of a child safe environment. All Workers:

• will complete child safe training every 3 years.
• will complete police checks every 3 years.
• must ensure that the “Workers’ Code of Conduct” is maintained at all times and that they are respectful of and acknowledge the rights of children.
• will be issued with a copy of this policy.
• from interstate and abroad will complete the appropriate training before joining the staff in South Australia.

Governance

We will ensure review of this policy 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 be provided with a copy of the Workers’ Code of Conduct.

All Workers will be provided with South Australian 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 and will comply with the Code of Conduct.

Reviewed and endorsed for South Australia and Northern Territory 25/09/2020. Review due 2023