Northern Territory Child Protection and Wellbeing Policy

1. Purpose

All children and young people (children) assisted by the St Vincent de Paul Society – Northern Territory (the Society) have a right to feel and be safe. The Society recognises the personal dignity and rights of children it serves, and towards whom it has a special responsibility of care and respect.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Society conference, associate and volunteer members, volunteers, and staff. This policy will similarly apply to all consultants and contractors who perform work in a paid or volunteer capacity for the Society.

The Society is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and the protection of children from harm. The Society’s will create a child safe environment in which:

• All children are treated with dignity and respect

• Every child’s right to feel safe and cared for is actively promoted

• There is no tolerance of any form of abuse, grooming, bullying or other behaviour which challenges the safety and wellbeing of children

The Society will fulfil its commitment to child protection and wellbeing by:

• Operating within Territory and Commonwealth legislative requirements relating to child protection and safety

• Developing and maintaining a child protection framework comprising child protection strategies and procedures relevant to areas of operation across the Society

• Maintain Workforce Screening and Suitability Policy and Procedures in all recruitment practices where Society members, volunteers, and staff are engaged to work with children, including consultants and contractors who perform work in a paid or volunteer capacity for the Society

• Provide adequate induction and ongoing training to all members, volunteers and staff

• Maintain an internal reporting process that enables individuals to raise concerns regarding the safety, health, or wellbeing of any child, and abide by mandatory reporting requirements of applicable Territory or Commonwealth Law

3. Related Legislation/Standards

Northern Territory of Australia, Care and Protection of Children Act 2007, as in Force 20 November 2020

Code of Conduct Policy

Catholic Diocese of Darwin Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy

Authorisation

Approved by: Northern Territory Council

Owner: CEO

Review

Responsibility: BOM

Time of Review: Annually

Version - Amendments

Version No - V-001

Issue / Re-issue Date - 22 April 2021

Nature of Amendment - Original