Scope
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners of our organization who interact with vulnerable people in any capacity. This includes but is not limited to individuals who are elderly, disabled, homeless, Indigenous, refugees, or experiencing mental health issues.
Policy Statement
Our organization is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable people who use our services. We recognize that vulnerable people are at higher risk of harm, and therefore, it is our responsibility to protect them from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
To achieve this, we will:
1. Promote the safety and well-being of vulnerable people: We will prioritize the safety and well-being of vulnerable people in all aspects of our work. We will provide services that are person-centred, respectful, and responsive to their needs. We will also advocate for their rights and interests.
2. Conduct rigorous screening and recruitment of staff and volunteers: We will conduct rigorous screening of all staff and volunteers who work with vulnerable people. This includes reference checks, police checks, and working with children checks. We will also provide training and ongoing support to ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of their responsibilities in safeguarding vulnerable people.
3. Create a safe and supportive culture: We will create a culture that promotes safety and supports vulnerable people. We will provide clear guidelines and expectations for staff and volunteers in their interactions with vulnerable people. We will also encourage reporting of any concerns or incidents related to the safety of vulnerable people.
4. Respond to concerns or incidents related to the safety of vulnerable people: We will respond promptly and appropriately to any concerns or incidents related to the safety of vulnerable people. This includes reporting incidents to relevant authorities, providing support and assistance to those affected, and implementing corrective actions to prevent further harm.
5. Continuously review and improve our policies and procedures: We will continuously review and improve our policies and procedures to ensure that they align with best practice and are effective in protecting vulnerable people. We will also engage with stakeholders, including vulnerable people, to seek feedback and improve our services.
Compliance
All staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners of our organization are required to comply with this policy. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, termination of employment, or termination of a partnership agreement.
Conclusion
Protecting vulnerable people is a critical responsibility for our organization. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all people who use our services, especially those who are vulnerable and at risk of harm. We will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of vulnerable people and take all necessary steps to protect them from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Section 5.01 Child Protection Policy
Purpose
1. To provide for and promote the care, protection and wellbeing of Children or Young People in a way that recognises their right to grow in a safe and stable environment and the right to be protected from Harm, and to maximise opportunities for Children or Young People to realise their full potential;
2. To provide for and promote the provision of services that foster the health, developmental needs, spirituality, self-respect and dignity of Children or Young People including by ensuring that persons responsible for Children or Young People within the movement are appropriately performing their responsibilities;
3. To promote caring attitudes and responses towards Children or Young People, so that the need for appropriate nurture, care and protection is understood, risks to a Child’s wellbeing are quickly identified, and any necessary support, protection or care is promptly provided;
4. To recognise the family as the primary means of providing for the nurture, care and protection of Children or Young People and to accord high priority to supporting and assisting the family to carry out its responsibilities to Children or Young People;
5. To promote and recognise the need to strengthen, preserve and promote positive relationships between the Child and the Child’s parent, family members, leaders, mentors, spiritual advisors, and significant others; and
6. To provide for and promote a Child safe culture that is understood, endorsed, and put into action by all the individuals who work for, volunteer or access an ACC program, service or managed facility.
5.01.a Who is covered by this Child Protection Policy?
The Child Protection Policy covers all people associated with Hand To Plough.
5.01.b Our commitment to Children or Young People
We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all Children or Young People who access any of our activities, programs, services or facilities.
We are committed to providing Children or Young People with positive and nurturing experiences.
We will support families and communities to promote Children or Young People’s healthy development and wellbeing.
We will take action to ensure that Children or Young People are protected from harm by identifying and addressing risk factors as soon as practicable.
We will take action to ensure that Children or Young People are not harmed during the time that they are involved with any of our activities, programs, services or facilities.
We will ensure that Children or Young People have access to adequate support to promote safety and intervene early.
We will listen to Children or Young People and appropriately address any concerns that they raise with us in the least intrusive way possible that is consistent with the paramount concern to protect the Child or Young Person from harm and promote the Child or Young Person’s development.
5.01.c Our commitment to parents and carers
We are committed to supporting parents and carers to protect their Children or Young People.
We will offer assistance that builds on a family’s strengths, is sensitive to their cultural and religious beliefs and empowers them to meet the changing needs of their Children or Young People.
We are committed to communicating honestly and openly with parents and carers about the wellbeing and safety of their Children or Young People if it is consistent with the paramount concern to protect the Child or Young Person from harm and promote the Child or Young Person’s development.
We aim to be transparent in our decision-making with parents and carers as long as doing so does not compromise the safety of Children or Young people.
We will seek to involve parents whenever possible and practicable in the decision-making process that impact on them and the Children or Young People.
We will provide opportunities for formal debriefing and/or counselling families of Children or Young People who have experienced abuse and any other family in the community who may indirectly be affected by an incident.
5.01.d Our commitment to Hand To Plough team & clients.
In order to fulfil our obligations to the protection of Children or Young People, make the following commitments to Hand To Plough team:
• We are committed to providing Hand To Plough team with the necessary support to enable them to fulfil their roles.
• We will put in place a management structure that supports and develops Hand To Plough team in their roles.
• We are committed to providing Hand To Plough team with regular supervision and development.
• We will work to ensure that Hand To Plough team have access to a senior person to assist in making decisions in relation to any action required to protect Children or Young People from harm.
5.01.e Our commitment to ensuring a Child safe organisation
• We are committed to using best practice standards in the recruitment, screening and employment of Hand To Plough team.
• We will work to create an environment in which Children or Young People are safe and feel safe.
• We will work to ensure that Hand To Plough team do not harm Children or Young People who are involved with our programs, services or facilities.
5.01.f What are the requirements of Hand To Plough team in relation to protecting children or young people?
Protection Practice Guidelines, codes of conduct and operational procedures developed and implemented by the ACC National Executive or Constituent Churches
S5.A01.f-i. We expect Hand To Plough team to understand Children or Young People’s rights.
Children or Young People have a right to be safe, and this Policy is aimed at ensuring the safety of Children or Young People.
S5.A01.f-ii. We expect Hand To Plough team to understand and acknowledge the significance of family relationships for Children or Young People.
Children or Young People’s experience of their family is foundational for their development. Families can act as supportive resources for growth and resilience in Children or Young People. Family relationships can also restrain and harm Children or Young People’s social, physical, cognitive and emotional development. Families are the single most significant influence in shaping the way Children or Young People develop and perceive their sense of identity. We expect Hand To Plough team to recognise, respect and work to strengthen the capacities of parents/carers and other family members to care and protect their Children or Young People.
S5.A01.f-iii. We expect Hand To Plough team to make available information about this Policy to Children or Young People and parents/carers.
The information will be made available in developmentally appropriate language and translated to accommodate the main communities that access our services.
S5.A01.f-iv. We expect Hand To Plough team to put the rights of a Child or Young Person to the protection from harm ahead of any cultural and religious practices of families who access Hand To Plough programs.
No cultural or religious belief will take precedence over the right of Children or Young People to protection from harm.
S5.A01.f-v. We expect Hand To Plough team to understand and respond to the special needs of Children or Young People with developmental delays or disabilities.
We acknowledge that Children or Young People with developmental delays or disabilities have special needs. We expect Hand To Plough team to act in ways that communicate effectively with and are supportive of Children or Young People with developmental delays or disabilities. We also understand that we will need to be proactive in recognising the additional vulnerability to harm that Children or Young People with developmental delays or disabilities experience.

S5.A01.f-vi. We expect Hand To Plough team to be respectful of Children or Young People.
As part of our commitment to Children or Young People, we will facilitate opportunities for Children or Young People to tell us their views and feedback about the services we provide to them. We will treat Children or Young People as individuals and respect their unique abilities and vulnerabilities. We expect Hand To Plough team to express attitudes and engage in behaviour that respect and support Children or Young People.
S5.A01.f-vii. We expect Hand To Plough team to act on any concerns raised by Children or Young People and/or their parents/carers.
We will take seriously any concerns or issues raised by Children or Young People and/or their parents. We will investigate all complaints or allegations made against any of Hand To Plough team. We will ensure that we promptly report any suspected, alleged or reported crimes against Children or Young People or other family members to the police or other authorised body in accordance with the policies and operational procedures of the ACC at a local level. We expect Hand To Plough team to follow our complaints procedure without hesitation in response to concerns raised by Children or Young People and/or their parents/carers.
S5.A01.f-viii. We expect Hand To Plough team to understand the definitions, indicators and impact of harm on Children or Young People.
Experiences of harm are significant sources of trauma for Children or Young People and intensify the risk of Children or Young People developing a range of emotional, psychological, social and behavioural problems. Child physical abuse and sexual abuse is a crime. Intervention which identifies and prevents abuse from occurring is instrumental in supporting Children or Young People and families. When abuse has occurred, it is imperative that action is taken to protect Children or Young People from further experiences of abuse. Where there is a risk of harm, it is also imperative that action is taken to protect the Child or Young Person from that risk eventuating. We expect Hand To Plough team to know how to define harm, be aware of its indicators and understand its consequences. The more informed we are, the more effective we will be in our efforts to protect Children or Young People from all forms of harm.
S5.A01.f-ix. We expect Hand To Plough team to know and follow regulations in relation to the care of Children or Young People.
There are number of regulations governing the provision of Child care. These regulations define our minimum responsibilities and obligations towards Children or Young People and families. We expect all Hand To Plough team to know and follow these regulations. It is the responsibility of the managers of our Child care services to ensure that the regulations are adhered to by all Hand To Plough team under their supervision.
S5.A01.f-x. We expect Hand To Plough team to know and follow the law in relation to reporting harm.
We expect Hand To Plough team to know and follow relevant laws in their state jurisdiction as set out in a relevant State Child protection policy by making an appropriate report to the relevant government department in respect of actual harm to a Child or Young Person or a risk of harm to a Child or Young Person. Notwithstanding our obligations under the law, we expect Hand To Plough team to ensure that appropriate action is taken to respond to concerns about the wellbeing or safety of a Child or Young Person. For the avoidance of doubt, when there is no mandatory reporting obligation at law, nevertheless we require a report to be made to the relevant government agency and/or law enforcement body.
S5.A01.f-xi. We expect Hand To Plough team to co-operate with police and/or other formal investigations.
In every circumstance, we expect Hand To Plough team to co-operate to the best of their ability with any formal investigation undertaken by the ACC (National or State Executives), police or other authorised body in relation to the care and protection of Children or Young People.
S5.A01.f-xii. We expect Hand To Plough team to use the policies and operational procedures defined at the local level whenever they have a concern that a Child or Young Person may be experiencing harm.
The State Child protection policies have been designed to facilitate decision making in relation to the protection of Children or Young People. At all times, we expect Hand To Plough team to have a comprehensive understanding of the contents of this Policy and the relevant policies and abide by them whenever they have concerns about the possibility that a Child or Young Person has experienced or may be at risk of experiencing harm.
S5.A01.f-xiii. We expect Hand To Plough team to always follow any Child Protection Practice Guidelines implemented.
Where Child Protection Practice Guidelines have been promulgated, the Hand To Plough team will be asked to personally endorse these Guidelines and ensure that they adhere to it when they are at work and away from work. These guidelines will aim to ensure that Hand To Plough team are always safe adults who act protectively of Children or Young People.
S5.A01.f-xiv. We expect Hand To Plough team not to contravene any policies, regulations, or laws in relation to the safety and protection of Children or Young People.
It is a serious breach of this Policy, and possibly the law, if any Hand To Plough team contravene any regulations or laws in relation to the safety and protection of Children whether or not they are working, volunteering or participating in a Charity related activity, service or program at the time. Breaches of this Policy include, but are not limited to, Hand To Plough team who:
• sexually and/or physically abuse Children or Young people;
• abduct Children or Young People;
• verbally abuse or bully Children or Young People;
• emotionally abuse Children or Young People;
• groom Children or Young People;
• take, reproduce and/or distribute photos or videos of Children or Young People without the consent of their parents or guardians (unless the Child or Young Person is of a sufficient age and maturity to give informed consent freely and voluntarily – this should be the exception rather than the rule);
• publish any material containing images of Children or Young People who are involved in one of our activities, services or programs that can be used for the sexual gratification of others;
• access, download, store or distribute any form of Child pornography;
• condone or encourage, in any way, the harm (whatever the kind) to Children or Young People;
• fail to take appropriate action in response to a complaint, risk, or suspicion of harm.
S5.A01.f-xv. We expect that Hand To Plough team will support Children or Young People and their families as directed by Hand To Plough Board or investigating body in the event that a Child or Young Person is harmed by any Hand To Plough team.
We recognise that the impact of any form of harm on Children or Young People and their families is traumatic. It is even more complex when the perpetrator of the harm is within Hand To Plough team. In these situations, we will provide opportunities for appropriate debriefing and/or counselling to the Children or Young People and their families who have experienced the harm and any other Child or Young Person and family in the community who may indirectly be affected by the incident(s).
5.01.g What support will we provide Hand To Plough team?
In this section the intention is that the support envisaged will be primarily delivered by the Hand To Plough followed by the relevant ACC state or territory entity.
S5.A01.g-i. We will ensure that Hand To Plough team receive training about this Policy.
On a regular basis, we will ensure that all Hand To Plough team are provided with training to understand and recommit to this Policy and the approved Child Protection Practice Guideline. Such training will also form part of any induction we provide to Hand To Plough team.
S5.A01.g-ii. We will make opportunities available to the Hand To Plough team to allow them to feel clear about what is expected of them in relation to Children or Young People’s welfare and safety.
We will provide regular opportunities to clarify and confirm the procedures for staff to apply when acting in relation to Children or Young People’s welfare and safety. This will include a discussion of this Policy as a standing item for regular meetings at all levels of ACC National Executive.
S5.A01.g-iii. We will ensure that Hand To Plough team are aware of the formal recruitment, screening, and employment practices in relation to individuals with specific roles in working or volunteering with Children or Young People and families.
All Hand To Plough team will be informed during their recruitment that their employment or volunteer services will be subject to clearance under the Working with Children Check system (or equivalent checks under other state legislation). It is a serious breach of this Policy if an individual, who has convictions that would make him/her ineligible to be granted a Working with Children Check (or equivalent) clearance, gains employment or is allowed to volunteer with Children or Young People who access our services. It is also a serious breach of this Policy, if an individual continues in his/her employment or volunteer role with us if he/she has been charged or convicted of a crime that would make him/her ineligible to be granted a Working with Children Check (or equivalent) clearance. Hand To Plough team who have been charged or convicted of a crime that would make him/her ineligible to be granted a Working with Children Check (or equivalent) clearance have an ongoing obligation to inform the Constituent Charity of this matter and the Constituent Charity will deal appropriately with this by removing the person from employment or volunteering service.
S5.A01.g-iv. We will provide Hand To Plough team with guidance in relation to their role with Children or Young People and families.
We recognise that caring for and working with Children or Young People and their families can be complex and challenging. As such, we will provide guidance for Hand To Plough team in relation to their specific roles with Children or Young People and families.
S5.A01.g-v. We will provide opportunities for Hand To Plough team to receive debriefing in the event that it is required.
We recognise that responding to Children or Young People who are at risk of or have experienced harm can be stressful. It is even more complex when the perpetrator of the harm is another staff member or volunteer of Hand To Plough. In these situations, we will provide opportunities for formal debriefing and/or counselling to Hand To Plough team as required.