1.1 This Policy affirms Australian Christian Arts' commitment to child safety in accordance with the Children's Guardian Act 2019 (NSW) and the NSW Child Safe Standards.

1.2 AChA is committed to creating and maintaining a child-safe organisation in which the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and young people are paramount in all decisions and activities.

1.3 This Policy applies to:

1.4 Child safety responsibilities apply regardless of employment status, remuneration, or tenure.

1.5 This Policy is made under and subject to the AChA Constitution. In the event of any inconsistency between this Policy and the Constitution, the Constitution prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.

1.6 This Policy should be read in conjunction with:

2.1 This Policy is developed and implemented in compliance with relevant Australian and New South Wales legislation, including but not limited to:

2.2 AChA is committed to continuously reviewing and updating its practices to align with best practices in child safety and any amendments to applicable laws and standards.

2.3 This Policy also aligns with the NSW Child Safe Standards for Community Organisations, ensuring a holistic approach to safeguarding children and young people.

3.1 For the purpose of this Policy, the following definitions apply:

AChA is committed to upholding the following principles to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in its activities:

AChA fully embraces and is guided by the NSW Child Safe Standards to create a safe environment for children and young people. These standards include:

6.1 The Board is ultimately responsible for ensuring AChA complies with its child safety obligations and implements this Policy. The Board will:

6.2 The Reporting Officer (Roxanne Heng, Programs Director) is responsible for the day-to-day implementation and management of this Policy and will act as the primary contact for child safety concerns and reports.

7.1 The Board will:

8.1 AChA implements a robust screening and recruitment process for all personnel who work with children and young people.

9.1 All personnel are required to complete mandatory child safety training upon commencement and periodic refresher training.

10.1 New personnel will receive an comprehensive induction that includes a thorough overview of AChA's child safety policies and procedures.

11.1 AChA is committed to ongoing monitoring and review of personnel conduct and child safety practices.

12.1 All individuals covered by this Policy must adhere to the Master Member Code of Conduct, which explicitly addresses behaviours that promote child safety and wellbeing, including:

12.2 Any breach of the Code of Conduct, particularly relating to child safety, will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, including termination of engagement with AChA and reporting to external authorities.

12.3.1 General Principles: Physical contact with children by personnel should always be appropriate, professional, and in the child's best interest, promoting their safety and wellbeing. All contact must be respectful of personal space and cultural differences.

12.3.2 Permitted Contact: Brief, supportive physical contact that is appropriate for the age and developmental stage of the child, such as a hand on the shoulder for reassurance, assisting a child with a task, or a congratulatory high-five, is generally permitted, provided it is initiated by the child or clearly necessary for their support or safety, and is open, transparent, and observable by others.

12.3.3 Non-Permitted Contact: Personnel must avoid any physical contact that could be misinterpreted, is unnecessary, or goes beyond professional boundaries. This includes, but is not limited to, tickling, prolonged hugs, wrestling, or any contact that involves intimate areas.

12.3.4 Inappropriate Contact: Any physical contact that is sexually suggestive, demeaning, intimidating, or abusive is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a serious breach of this Policy.

12.3.5 Emergency/First Aid: In situations requiring emergency first aid or intervention to prevent harm, physical contact may be necessary. In such instances, personnel should use only the minimum contact required and explain their actions to the child (if appropriate) and any witnesses, reporting the incident as soon as safely possible.

12.3.6 Reporting Concerns: Any personnel who feel uncomfortable about physical contact (either their own or that observed between others) must report their concerns to the Reporting Officer immediately.

13.1 AChA is committed to creating and maintaining a physically and emotionally safe environment for all children and young people. This includes:

14.1 Whenever possible, and particularly in situations where children may be vulnerable, AChA personnel should avoid being alone with a child. The "Two-Adult Rule" mandates that:

15.1 AChA recognises that certain areas or activities may pose a higher risk to child safety and requires enhanced vigilance and specific protocols. These areas may include:

15.2 Specific procedures, including increased supervision ratios, designated personnel, and clear communication with children and parents, will be implemented for all high-risk areas and activities.

16.1 AChA is committed to ensuring the safety of children and young people when engaging through digital platforms and online activities. Personnel must adhere to the following guidelines:

17.1 All personnel, volunteers, and contractors engaged with AChA have a fundamental duty of care to protect children and young people from harm while under AChA's supervision or participating in its programs.

18.1 AChA maintains strict guidelines regarding photography and videography of children:

19.1 Personnel must exercise extreme caution and professionalism when using social media, particularly in relation to children involved with AChA:

20.1 AChA has a zero-tolerance policy for personnel consuming or being under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol while working with children or at any AChA-related activity involving children.

21.1 AChA is committed to preventing grooming and ensures all personnel are aware of what constitutes grooming behaviour and how to respond.

22.1 Where a Board member, staff, volunteer, or contractor has a pre-existing relationship with a child (e.g., family member), this must be declared to the Reporting Officer.

22.2 Appropriate measures will be put in place to manage potential conflicts of interest or to ensure that professional boundaries are maintained.

23.1 AChA will provide clear guidelines for the transportation of children, including requirements for driver qualifications, vehicle safety, supervision, and parental consent.

23.2 Private transportation of children by individuals (other than parents/guardians) is generally discouraged unless specific protocols are followed and parental consent is obtained.

24.1 All individuals must avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as developing an inappropriate level of familiarity with children, including:

25.1 AChA promotes positive and respectful relationships among children and young people participating in its programs.

26.1 AChA values the voice of children and is committed to empowering them to participate in decisions that affect their safety and wellbeing.

27.1 AChA is dedicated to creating an environment that is culturally safe and respectful for all children and young people, acknowledging and valuing their diverse backgrounds.

28.1 AChA recognises the vital role of parents, guardians, and the wider community in ensuring child safety and wellbeing, and is committed to fostering open and collaborative relationships.

29.1 All individuals covered by this Policy are responsible for recognising and responding appropriately to disclosures or concerns about child abuse, neglect, or harm.

29.2 This includes taking disclosures seriously, listening without judgment, not making promises of confidentiality, and reporting the concern immediately.

30.1 Any child safety concern or allegation, including a disclosure by a child, must be immediately reported to the AChA Reporting Officer (Roxanne Heng, Programs Director).

30.2 If the concern involves the Reporting Officer, the report should be made to a designated alternative Board member (e.g., Board Chair).

30.3 All reports will be handled with sensitivity, respect, and in a confidential manner, to the extent possible while adhering to reporting obligations.

31.1 Individuals are required to identify and report any situation where there is a perceived Risk of Significant Harm (ROSH) to a child.

31.2 This involves understanding the indicators of ROSH and following specific internal and external protocols for urgent reporting to ensure the child's immediate safety and wellbeing.

32.1 Any conduct by a Board member, staff, volunteer, or contractor that falls under the definition of 'reportable conduct' as per relevant child safety legislation must be reported without delay.

32.2 Reportable conduct includes allegations of sexual offenses, serious physical assault, or behavior causing serious psychological harm to a child, and will be managed in accordance with legal requirements and organisational policy.

33.1 In instances where there is a reasonable belief that a criminal offense against a child has occurred, including sexual assault, physical abuse, or severe neglect, a direct report will be made to the police or relevant law enforcement agency.

33.2 AChA will cooperate fully with police investigations, providing all necessary information while prioritising the child's safety and welfare.

34.1 AChA is committed to providing a child-friendly and accessible complaints mechanism where children feel safe and empowered to raise concerns.

35.1 AChA is committed to protecting individuals who report child safety concerns or reportable conduct in good faith.

35.2 The organisation will ensure that no person is subjected to detrimental action for making a report, and will provide support and maintain confidentiality as appropriate.

36.1 All reports and complaints related to child safety will be acknowledged within a specified time frame, typically within 24 hours of receipt.

36.2 Initial assessments and responses will commence immediately, with detailed investigations and actions to follow promptly, ensuring all statutory requirements and internal policies are met.

37.1 Upon receiving an allegation of child abuse or reportable conduct, AChA will immediately implement interim measures to ensure the safety of the child(ren) involved and other children.

37.2 These measures may include temporarily removing the accused individual from child-related work.

38.1 All allegations will be thoroughly and impartially investigated in accordance with AChA's procedures and relevant legislative requirements.

38.2 Investigations will be conducted by suitably qualified and impartial individuals.

39.1 In cases of serious allegations or reportable conduct, external agencies (e.g., Police, Office of the Children's Guardian, child protection services) will be involved as required by law.

39.2 AChA will fully cooperate with any external investigation.

40.1 Any individual with a conflict of interest relating to a child safety concern or investigation (e.g., personal relationship with parties involved) must declare it and recuse themselves from the process.

41.1 If an allegation is substantiated, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, which may include:

41.2 The focus of disciplinary action will always be the safety and well-being of children.