Horizon Theatre Company’s

Child Safe Policy

The purpose of this policy

All children and young people at Horizon Theatre Company have a right to feel safe and protected.

This policy:

a) is part of Horizon Theatre’s ongoing commitment to protecting the children in our care from harm and abuse,

b) outlines the safeguards our theatre has put in place to minimise the risks to child safety

c) sets out what is required from staff and volunteers, so they know what is expected from them to keep children safe.

It is important to remember that this policy is not about the likelihood of abuse taking place.  It reflects the terrible consequences of abuse if it does take place.  By having a strong policy on Child Safety, we reduce the likelihood of abuse occurring.

Our commitment to child safety

Our club commits to ensuring we provide a safe environment for all children and young people. Our full Statement of Commitment is included as an appendix at the end of this document. It is also available on our website.

Who this policy applies to

Everyone involved with the club is responsible for applying this, including staff, volunteers, contractors, children and young people, parents and carers, and the broader club community such as audiences. The policy sets down what is required from everyone in the club when taking part in activities that involve children and young people.

Your roles and responsibilities

Everyone who works at the theatre who oversees child safety, whether an employee, volunteer or contractor, is expected to carry out the requirements specific to the role to keep children safe. This includes:

a) upholding our theatre’s commitment to child safety

b) reading, signing and upholding the behaviour set out in our Child Safe Code of Conduct

c) completing all assigned and ongoing child safe training

d) taking part in our regular reviews of our child safe policies

e) reporting all breaches of our policies or any allegations of child harm or abuse.

Our club’s Child Safe Officers are Andrew (Bob) Short and Maddy Slabacu. Please contact either of them with any of your child-safety related questions or concerns.

Definitions

Child abuse: The World Health Organization refers to all types of child abuse as child maltreatment. It includes all types of physical or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligence, which results in actual or potential harm to a child’s health, survival development or dignity.

Grooming: When offenders manipulate children and adults to abuse a child, it is called grooming. It’s a process the offender uses to build trust and create an environment where abuse can occur.

Child Safe Standards: The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Safe Abuse recommend 10 Child Safe Standards, drawing on its findings, research and consultation about what makes an organisation child safe.  See Appendix.

Content overview

This policy contains information on:

a) supervision of children (both inside and outside of session times)

b) managing drop off and pickups

c) online communication

d) physical contact with children

e) travel and overnight accommodation

f) dressing room etiquette

g) out of hours contact

h) use of photography and video.

Legal requirements

Horizon Theatre has to understand and comply with a number of child protection standards and laws. These include:

a) 10 Child Safe Standards

b) Children’s Guardian Act 2019

c) Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012

d) Child Protection (Working with Children) Regulation 2013

Where you can find our Child Safe Policy

Our Child Safe Policy can be found on our website. Anyone involved in our community can request a copy via email at any time.  Send requests to:  horizonall@ozemail.com.au

Please remember, everyone who works at the theatre who oversees child safety, whether an employee, volunteer or contractor, is expected to carry out the requirements specific to the role to keep children safe which includes reading this child safe policy and signing a note that says they have done so.  See Appendix.

Next review date

Child Safe Policy will be reviewed at every Annual General Meeting, unless there is any critical incident that requires urgent change to the policy. The Office of the Children’s Guardian provides free on-line training about Child Safe Policy.  It is currently recommended those working with children complete Module 1: Child Safe Sport.  At the current time, there is no course directly related to theatre and entertainment.  Further modules are also available.

APPENDIX 1

The NSW Child Safe Standards

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Safe Abuse recommend 10 Child Safe Standards, drawing on its findings, research and consultation about what makes an organisation child safe. The Child Safe Standards provide a benchmark against which organisations can assess their child sa1fe capacity and set performance targets. The Standards provide tangible guidance for organisations to drive a child safe culture, adopt strategies and act to put the interests of children first, to keep them safe from harm.

The 10 Child Safe Standards are:

1. Child safety is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
2. Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
3. Families and communities are informed and involved.
4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account.
5. People working with children are suitable and supported.
6. Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child focused.
7. Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training.
8. Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur.
9. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved.
10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is child safe.

APPENDIX 2

Horizon Theatre’s Child Safe Reporting Policy