Policies.

The Performers Australia Child Safe Policy is in place to ensure the commitment by management, staff and instructors to provide a child safe environment, by providing a code of conduct and policies to ensure that everyone is keep safe from harm and the appropriate reporting pathways are in place.

AIM OF CHILD SAFE POLICY

This aim Child Safe Policy is to protect the safety of children under our instruction during workshops/camps to prevent abuse from occurring. We aim to promote the empowerment of children through participation, giving them confidence to have control over the circumstances in their lives.

The aim of the Child Safe Policy is to provide a framework where should an allegation or complaint of abuse arise, the appropriate processes are in place where the compliant is treated seriously and are fully investigated with confidentiality and discretion.

The Child Safe Policy and our Code of Conduct provide clear expectations for all management, staff, and instructors at Performers Australia for the appropriate behavioural actions around children.

At Performers Australia we are committed to the inclusion of all children from diverse backgrounds and cultures and aim to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all children to experience the joy of musical theatre.

SCOPE OF POLICY

This Child Safe Policy applies to all management, staff, instructors, participants, and parents who are involved with and/or attend Performers Australia Studios.

This Child Safe Policy covers all children attending our workshops/camps, giving them a right to feel safe, welcome and have fun, and the confidence to know that their voice is valued, and that Performers Australia will act on any concerns raised by children or their parents.

By adopting a Child Safe policy, Performers Australia is acting in a preventive manner to help reduce the potential risk and likelihood of risks becoming realised.

DEFINITIONS

Child Abuse can be divided into 4 areas:

Physical abuse - when a child suffers or is likely to suffer from significant harm from a non-accidental physical injury

Sexual abuse - when a child suffers or is likely to suffer from significant harm from sexual abuse such as when a child exploited for sexual gratification.

Emotional and psychological abuse - when a child suffers or is likely to suffer emotional or psychological harm that can significantly damage the child’s emotional or intellectual health and development.

Neglect – occurs when a child’s physical development or health has been or is significantly damaged. Can refer to the omission or deprivation of food, clothing, warmth, hygiene, supervision, medical care, or safety.

Child abuse includes any action that results in the actual or potential harm to a child in circumstances where the child’s parent has not protected or are unable to protect the child.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE PROCEDURE

If a staff member/instructor becomes aware of an incident or allegation of abuse or has reasonable grounds to form a belief of abuse, it is the first responsibility to ensure the child/ren are safe and away from further risk of harm.

Reasonable grounds for belief – formed on the reasonable belief that the child needs protection, has suffered or likely to suffer harm as the result of a physical or sexual injury, or if the parents are unwilling or unable to protect the child.

Reasonable belief can come about on grounds of notification from the child, from observations of the child, or allegations surrounding the child.

If a staff member/instructor is concerned about the immediate risk to the child, or criminal conduct has occurred, that person must call 000 and report matter to the Victorian Police immediately.

If a staff member/instructor receives information that leads them to belief that an offence has been committed, mandatory reporting requirements must be met, including reporting firstly to:

Management/Directors of Performers Australia

Secondly to –

Victorian Police

DHHS Child Protection Unit

Once a complaint or allegation is made to the Management/Director of Performers Australia, they have a duty of care make a report to the Victorian Police and DHHS Child Protection unit as soon as possible.

All complaints and allegations must be documented with proof of receipt of complaint/allegation, and Management/Director of Performers Australia will meet with complainant regarding the allegation.

If a staff members/instructor is uncertain to whether they should make a report to an external authority in regard to a child or if a member/participant of Performers Australia wishes to voice concern/complaint in regard to a Child Safety issue, seek a meeting and advice from Management/Director at Performers Australia for guidance in regard to the matter.

If further evidence arises after first complaint/allegation, or to further strengthen the Reasonable grounds of Belief, another report must be documented and presented to Management/Director of Performers Australia, the Victorian Police and DHHS Child Protection unit.

Performers Australia will investigate allegations against a child with procedural fairness and will work in accordance with Victoria Police and/or DHHS in relation to investigations conducted by these authorities.

SCREENING AND RECRUITING OF STAFF MEMBERS

Performers Australia applies best practice standards in the recruitment of new staff members, and that the recruitment process includes addressing the Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct with applicant.

Where a position for a new staff member involves responsibility for children, interview questions will revolve around their previous experience in working with children, as well as providing appropriate evidence and references

A valid Working with Children Check will be mandatory for ALL staff members, and all must pass the screening and recruitment process prior to commencing at Performers Australia.

ALL staff members must read, acknowledge, and sign the Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct before commencing employment with Performers Australia.

If an allegation is against a member of staff, the safety of the child is the utmost importance. The staff member will be removed and stood down from instructing workshops/camps while under investigation from the relevant authorities into the seriousness of the allegation.

MUSIC & ROUTINE CHOICE GUIDELINES

· All music played in any class at Performers Australia must be age appropriate.

· Routines must not be overtly sexual or have suggestive sexual movements, to reduce the possibility of abuse or comments. Instructor’s must plan their routines accordingly so that children and young people feel comfortable and confident within Performers Australia.

· Any complaints or feedback in regard to an instructor’s choice of music or routine must be presented to the Director of Performers Australia, so that correction can be made.

SOCIAL MEDIA

· Performers Australia uses social media platforms for marketing and member resource purposes. Photos and videos may occur of or during workshops/camps, and then published on social media platforms. Performers Australia reserves the right to photograph or video students participating in class or performances at any time for promotional purposes.

· Performers Australia will not distribute, modify, or misuse any image of a child or young person against their wishes or without their knowledge.

· Performers Australia will not tag or name children in photos or videos on social media platforms. Performers Australia recognises the right that children have to safety both in their physical and online environments, and actively promotes the wellbeing of all children.

POLICY PROMOTION AND REVIEW

This Child Safe Policy is made available to all parents and guardians of children and young people who attend a Performers Australia studio.

A copy of the Child Safe Policy is available of the Performers Australia website for all new and prospective participants.

The Child Safe Policy is communicated all staff, management, instructors, and contractors of Performers Australia"