Purpose of policy
Two Way Street (TWS) aims to provide an environment that minimises the risk of children being harmed in any way whilst in the care of TWS and to protect staff from the possibility that allegations of child maltreatment could be falsely made against them, as a result of their work. Child abuse thrives in secrecy, therefore to prevent child abuse; TWS will develop and maintain an open and aware culture where staff and children are aware of appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.
TWS believes it also has a responsibility to its staff to protect their right to confidentiality unless allegations of abuse against them are substantiated.
This policy will outline the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in the organisation.
Commitment to the safety of children and young people
TWS understands it has a duty of care to act immediately to protect and preserve the safety and wellbeing of the children in its care. TWS is committed to diversity and values all children and young people equally, regardless of their abilities, sex, gender or social-economic or cultural background.
TWS believes that the best way to ensure children’s protection at TWS is to establish an environment that minimises risks and sets out clear safeguards for staff to follow. It is for this reason and the commitment to being a part of a community that takes responsibility for children’s safety that TWS has developed this policy.
This policy complies with the child safe environment provisions of the following:
Scope of policy
All staff will be fully informed about their responsibilities to implement and adhere to TWS’s child protection policies and procedures. All staff includes permanent employees, contractors, volunteers and students who perform duties during TWS’s hours of operation (paid or unpaid).
Communication
All child safe environments policies are made available to staff on a shared access drive. All staff are required to sign an agreement that they accept and act in accordance with this policy. This policy is publicly available on the TWS website footer at https://twowaystreet.com.au/.
Participation
TWS believes it has a responsibility to all clients to defend their right to care and protection. To support this right TWS will follow any procedures recommended by child protection authorities, when dealing with any allegations of abuse or neglect of children, and will ensure that all staff undergo appropriate professional development in this area. TWS will also document any concerns where a child may be at risk of harm that may have occurred outside of TWS and follow procedures to ensure the child is protected from harm.
All staff will:
Code of Conduct
All staff are required to uphold the values of TWS and agree and act in accordance to the following Codes of Conduct:
Recruitment
TWS meets the requirements of the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 and ensures that all staff provide a valid Working with Children Check from the Screening Unit of the Department of Human Services. TWS will ensure a new working with children check is obtained every 5 years prior to expiry, or as required by the Department of Human Services.
All persons other than employed staff who perform duties during TWS’s hours of operation (paid or unpaid) will be required to present a valid Working with Children Check.
In accordance with the Staff Recruitment Policy, all applicants will have a personal interview with the TWS Director. A reference check will be completed by the Director or delegated supervisor. For employment at TWS, staff must provide the following documentation:
All staff will be oriented to TWS’s policies and procedures and code of conduct. Whenever possible new staff will have a period of time to work alongside current staff to familiarise themselves with the clients, families and TWS procedures prior to taking up their new role in a full capacity.
Supervision, training and support for employees and volunteers
TWS requires all staff to participate in training on child protection organised by relevant child protection authorities or support agencies.
TWS will:
Reporting and responding to harm or risk of harm
Mandated notifiers have a legal obligation to notify the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) as soon as practicable if they suspect on reasonable grounds that a child is or may be at risk of harm. All TWS employees are mandated reporters and are supported and encouraged to report the reasonable belief that a child or young person is or may be at risk of harm and in need of protection, and the child’s parents are unable or unwilling to protect the child.
Reporting concerns
Reporting and responding to complaints or feedback
Client feedback, both positive and constructive, is an essential part of helping us to continuously improve our service quality. Clients and staff can lodge a complaint in person, over the phone, by email or in writing with the TWS General Manager or Director.
TWS will:
Resolving complaints amicably gives TWS the opportunity to improve services and to learn from our mistakes. TWS takes complaints very seriously and will work hard to address and resolve them efficiently and effectively.
Risk Management
TWS will ensure clear observation of child-occupied areas through the following means:
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed at least once every five years in accordance with Section 115 of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 or sooner should a new risk, critical incident or concern require a review of this policy.
Date of last review: March 2022