Child Safe Organisational Policy

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, students, and any other representatives of The Abbwell Group. It is relevant to all services provided by the organisation, including individual and group counselling, equine-assisted therapy, and other related support services. The policy is also aligned with NDIS and Australian child safety requirements to ensure the highest standards of care and protection.

• Prioritising the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
• Creating an environment where children feel respected, valued, and empowered.
• Ensuring all staff understand and adhere to their child safety responsibilities.
• Complying with national and state/territory child safety legislation, NDIS Practice Standards, and child-safe principles.
• Promoting cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with disabilities.

• Child/Young Person: Any individual under the age of 18.
• Child Abuse: Any action or inaction that endangers a child’s physical or emotional wellbeing, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, or exposure to family violence.
• Child-Safe Environment: A setting that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and prevents harm.
• NDIS: The National Disability Insurance Scheme, which provides support for Australians with disabilities, their families, and carers.

The Abbwell Group is bound by:

• The Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld) and other relevant state/territory legislation.
• National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
• NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators.
• Mandatory reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect.
• Privacy and confidentiality laws.

Recruitment:

• Rigorous screening processes, including interviews, reference checks, and Working with Children Checks (WWCC) or state/territory equivalents.
• Clear communication of child safety responsibilities during recruitment.

Training:

• Mandatory child safety training for all staff and volunteers.
• Ongoing professional development to ensure awareness of child safety practices, NDIS obligations, and legal responsibilities.

All representatives of The Abbwell Group must:

• Act in the best interests of children and young people.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Avoid any behaviour that could be interpreted as abusive, exploitative, or harmful.
• Report concerns about child safety promptly.
• Adhere to NDIS Code of Conduct requirements when delivering services.

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate risks to child safety.
• Review and update policies and procedures to address emerging risks.
• Ensure physical environments are safe, accessible, inclusive, and comply with NDIS standards.

All staff must report concerns about child safety to their supervisor or designated Child Safety Officer (CSO).

The CSO will:

• Assess the risk and take immediate action if required.
• Report to relevant authorities as per mandatory reporting laws.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure procedural fairness.

• Promote child safety policies to children, families, and staff through accessible materials.
• Actively seek feedback from children and families about their experiences.
• Foster a culture of transparency and accountability.

• Regularly review and update the Child Safe Organisational Policy.
• Collect and analyse data on child safety incidents to identify trends and improve practices.
• Engage external experts for audits and feedback to ensure alignment with NDIS standards and Australian child safety requirements.

• Any breach of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include termination of employment or referral to law enforcement.
• Staff are encouraged to report breaches or suspected breaches to their supervisor or the CSO.

This policy will be reviewed every two years or earlier if legislative or organisational changes require it. Feedback from stakeholders, including children, families, and staff, will inform the review process. All reviews will ensure continued compliance with NDIS and Australian child safety requirements.

For questions, concerns, or reporting:

• Child Safety Officer: Andrew Abbott Ph: 07 4179 0730 or email: andrew@abbwell.com.au

External Authorities:

• Child Protection Helpline: Child Safety Services Helpline: 1800 177 135 (Queensland-specific)
• National Child Abuse Hotline: 1800 55 1800
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: 1800 035 544

The Abbwell Group acknowledges the importance of listening to and empowering children in creating a safe and supportive environment. We commit to ongoing vigilance and accountability in maintaining child safety in compliance with NDIS and Australian child safety requirements.