Download PDF Version of Arcadian SLSC Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy (205kb)

Important Information for Parents/ Guardians & Carers

Arcadian SLSC Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy

Creating safe and supportive service environments for children and young people is everyone’s business. Arcadian SLSC is committed to providing the highest standard of service to children and young people and ensuring they are kept safe from harm.

In order to create a safe and supportive service environment for children and young people, surf life saving clubs must initiate and maintain ongoing planning and commitment.

In a safe and supportive environment, services and activities are provided so children and young people:

· feel safe and protected from harm;

· help plan activities and make decisions;

· are consulted and respected; and

· have their best interests considered and upheld.

In accordance with the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act 2000, Arcadian SLSC is required to have a written child and youth risk management strategy to protect the children and young people in our organisation from harm. The strategy will help ensure Arcadian SLSC is a safe and supportive service environment for children and young people, by identifying and minimising risks. Screening employees and volunteers through the blue card system is part of the strategy.

The child and youth risk management strategy addresses the following elements:

· a statement of commitment;

· a code of conduct for interacting with children and young people;

· procedures for recruiting, selecting, training and managing paid employees and volunteers;

· policies and procedures for handling disclosures or suspicions of harm, including reporting guidelines;

· a plan for managing breaches of the child and youth risk management strategy;

· policies and procedures for implementing and reviewing the child and youth risk management strategy and maintaining an employee register for blue cards;

· risk management plans for high-risk activities and special events; and

· strategies for communication and support.

As a parent/ carer, it is important for you to understand the policies and procedures that form the child and youth risk management strategy. A copy of the strategy is available on request from Arcadian SLSC for your information and comment.