Child Protection Policy

• Code of conduct for interaction with children and young people

Members of the Club will:

• foster mutual respect between themselves and children and young people regardless of cultural identity and cultural practices/behaviour;
• use language which is age/stage appropriate, clear, non-threatening and non-sexual;
• use physical contact only where it is completely necessary;
• willingly listen to a child or young person’s concerns/issues;
• openly listen to parent/child suggestions, feedback and complaints.

Children also have responsibilities. They will:

• have respect for other children, young people and adults;
• use safe and appropriate behaviour on club grounds and on the water;
• report inappropriate behaviour and unsafe situations or harm.

Volunteers working with children

All volunteers who work with children must hold a current Positive Notice Bluecard issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian and must have their names listed in the club’s register of blue card holders. The only volunteers who do not require a Bluecard are volunteers under the age of 18 years or those who are working with their own children.

Handling Disclosures Or Suspicions Of Harm

This policy applies to disclosures or suspicions of harm to children and young people, irrespective whether they attend Humpybong Yacht Club or whether the harm occurred internal or external to Humpybong Yacht Club.

A disclosure or suspicion of harm will be documented in a non-judgemental and accurate manner as soon as possible. Under no circumstances should the volunteer investigate or probe the young person for additional information. A copy of the written account shall be given to the police or child safety officer who takes over the case. The volunteer should keep the original report in a safe place where it cannot be accidentally read by other people.

Report disclosed or suspected harm to the Department of Child Safety if the suspicion or allegation of harm occurred at home.

Report disclosed or suspected harm to the Queensland Police Service if the suspicion or allegation of harm occurred outside the home.

Managing Breaches of the Child Protection Policy

This plan outlines the steps to be taken following a breach of the child protection policy in order to address the breach in a fair and supportive manner.

A breach is any action or inaction by any member of the organisation, including children and young people, that fails to comply with any part of the policy. All members, volunteers and committee members shall comply with the policy.

When a breach is reported the following will occur:

• The subject of the alleged breach will immediately discontinue involvement any club activity involving young people, until the alleged breach is resolved.
• Unless the reported breach involves the President it will be managed by the President or the President’s nominated representative. If the reported breach involves the President, it will be managed by the Vice-President or the Commodore nominated representative. The nominated representative need not be a member of the Management Committee.
• All people involved in the alleged breach shall be advised of the process.
• All people involved in the alleged breach shall be given the opportunity to provide their version of events. These people shall include as a minimum the reporter, reportee, young person (if appropriate due to age or ability), the young person’s parent or guardian and any person having witnessed the alleged breach.
• All details of the alleged breach shall be recorded, however all parties to the alleged breach shall maintain the strictest confidence unless such confidentially places a child at risk of harm.
• The person managing the alleged breach shall decide an appropriate outcome, and shall report the outcome to the Management Committee.

Depending on the nature of the breach the outcome may include:

• Dismissing the allegation as unfounded.
• Emphasising the relevant component of the child protection policy.
• Further education and training
• Mediation between those involve in the incident
• Review of current procedures and policies
• Recommendation to the Management Committee that the member be stopped from volunteering with young people at the club
• Recommendation to the Management Committee that the member be subject to disciplinary procedures as allowed by the Constitution of the club.
• Reporting the incident to the Police or Department of Child Safety.