Child Safe

The code of conduct ensures there is accountability in our behaviour around children and young people and sets a standard for what is appropriate.

Staff and volunteers are never alone with a child or young person and staying in safe, open environments provides for accountability within teams and ensure that interactions are safe and positive.

Leaders will exercise safe, appropriate, and child-initiated contact with children and young people

Providing a safe environment for children and young people is the priority of all Gateway Community Care children's and youth programs. Our code of conduct seeks to:

• Prevent situations occurring where a child or young person could be unsafe.

• Ensure that the staff and volunteers who work with children and young people have undergone a strict screening and recruitment and process behaving in a safe and accountable manner. 

• All team leaders are trained in child safety standards with the ChildSafe organisation.

Those serving with children and young people should communicate with them in an open way and with parents’ knowledge or involvement. This ensures communication stays within appropriate boundaries.

Parents or carers will be communicated in regards to any situation where there may be harm or concern for the well-being of children or young people.

Children and young people's right to privacy will be protected, particularly when dealing with their personal information and when responding to pastoral situations or disclosures of harm.

Photos or videos of children and young people may be taken during Gateway Programs for the purpose of promotions and marketing.  Parents are asked to give permission for their child’s photo to be taken.