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Child Safety Policy

1. Purpose

Inner West Shiurim (“the Program”) is committed to promoting and ensuring the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of all children and young people engaged in its activities. This Child Safety Policy outlines our approach and responsibilities to keep children safe in accordance with Australian legislation and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

2. Scope

  • All employees (including rabbis, teachers, youth leaders, and support staff).
  • Volunteers, board/committee members, contractors, parents/guardians, and external service providers involved in the Program.
  • All activities and events conducted under the auspices of Inner West Shiurim, whether on-site or off-site.

3. Key Commitments

  1. Zero Tolerance of Child Abuse: Inner West Shiurim has zero tolerance for child abuse in any form.
  2. Cultural Safety: We respect and welcome children from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as children with disabilities or other vulnerabilities.
  3. Jewish Values: Consistent with the tenets of Jewish law and ethics, we emphasize respectful conduct and safeguarding every child’s dignity.

4. Legislative Context

Inner West Shiurim operates in accordance with all relevant Australian and state/territory child protection legislation, including but not limited to:

  • Working with Children Checks (WWCC) or equivalent in the relevant state/territory.
  • Mandatory Reporting obligations as required by law.
  • National Principles for Child Safe Organisations recommended by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
  • Any additional local Child Safe Standards where applicable.

5. Code of Conduct

All staff, volunteers, and contractors must abide by the Inner West Shiurim Code of Conduct, which includes:

  • Respect: Treating children and others with dignity.
  • Appropriate Boundaries: Maintaining professional and respectful relationships.
  • Safe Environments: Ensuring physical and psychological safety during activities.
  • Prohibition of Harmful Behavior: No form of abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation is tolerated.
  • Compliance with Policies: Following all internal protocols and reporting procedures.

6. Recruitment and Screening

  1. Position Descriptions: All roles working with children include clear duty statements reflecting child safety responsibilities.
  2. Screening: All prospective staff and volunteers must possess a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) or state/territory equivalent.
  3. Interviews and Referee Checks: Conducted thoroughly to assess suitability to work with children.
  4. Ongoing Suitability: WWCC status must be maintained, and any new information affecting suitability must be reported to management immediately.

7. Training and Supervision

  • Induction: All new staff and volunteers receive child safety training during onboarding.
  • Ongoing Training: Regular sessions to stay updated on current best practices, legislation changes, and child protection strategies.
  • Supervision: Adequate supervision ratios ensure children are never left in unsafe or unsupervised situations.

8. Reporting and Responding to Child Safety Concerns

  1. Encouraging Disclosure: Children, parents, and volunteers are encouraged to raise any concerns regarding child safety.
  2. Mandatory Reporting: Any staff member, volunteer, or contractor who suspects or becomes aware of child abuse is legally required to report it to the relevant authority and the Program’s Child Safety Officer.
  3. Internal Reporting: Concerns about staff or volunteer misconduct must be reported immediately to management. All disclosures are taken seriously and acted upon promptly.
  4. Confidentiality: Information is kept confidential and only disclosed to authorized personnel or authorities as necessary.

9. Risk Management

  • Identify and Assess Risks: Regularly review activities to identify potential risks to child safety.
  • Plan to Mitigate Risks: Implement measures to reduce or eliminate identified risks.
  • Review and Update: Adjust risk management strategies as needed based on new information or feedback.

10. Communication and Feedback

  • Policy Accessibility: This Child Safety Policy is accessible on the Program’s website and upon request.
  • Child and Parent Involvement: Families and participants are encouraged to provide feedback and voice concerns.
  • Open Dialogue: We foster a culture where child safety questions can be raised without fear of repercussions.

11. Continuous Improvement

  • Review Cycle: This policy is reviewed at least annually or upon significant legislative changes.
  • Policy Updates: Revisions are communicated to staff, volunteers, parents, and participants.
  • Incident Analysis: Learnings from reported incidents inform improvements to child safety strategies.

12. Breaches of this Policy

  • Disciplinary Action: A breach may result in disciplinary measures, including suspension or termination.
  • Legal Consequences: Child abuse or failure to report suspected abuse can result in criminal liability.

13. Further Resources

  • Australian Human Rights Commission: National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
  • Office of the Children’s Guardian (NSW), Commission for Children and Young People (Vic), or equivalent in other states.
  • Relevant state-based Working with Children Check information.

14. Policy Approval and Review

  • Approved by: Chris Chardon - President
  • Date: 12/02/2025

Disclaimer: This Child Safety Policy template is intended as a general guide and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with legal professionals and relevant child protection authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

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