Child Protection Policy
(CPP) Protecting children from abuse is a responsibility of the entire community. Through the implementation of strategies that assist in preventing child abuse the AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission has taken a pro-active role in relation to child protection. These strategies will help foster a safe and positive environment for children and young people to participate in AFL.
The Commission is committed to ensuring that the safety, welfare and well being of children and young people is maintained at all times during their participation in activities run by the Commission and its member bodies.
The Commission aims not only to promote a safe environment for all children but to assist all staff, officials, coaches and volunteers to follow the appropriate notification procedures when reporting alleged abuse.
The reporting mechanism through the GSJ is via:
• Association/League Child Protection Representative.
• DOCS (Department of Community Services) 132 111
• NSW Police 131 444
Child Protection
All clubs would be aware of the AFL (NSW/ACT) commitment to supporting the Child Protection legislative requirements.
AFL (NSW/ACT) aims to create an environment where children can participate in an activity and be safe from any form of abuse. This requires making a firm and open commitment to child protection and adopting procedures and practices that will minimize the risk of a child being abused. As a consequence of the legislation we adopted the above policy document template that should be visible at all matches from Under 18’s down inclusive.
Failure of a club/group not to ask its employees, coaches or volunteers who fall within the defined scope below to complete the necessary screening documents is subject to possible significant fines.
As a minimum all Leagues and Associations should appoint a Child Protection Representative and ensure that:
1. Volunteer/Student Declaration form as provided on the AFL (NSW/ACT) website are completed by the appropriate people.
2. Within the club environment ensure that all such documents are collected when completed and retained for future purposes or as required for paid employees.
It is important that at a club level someone has that responsibility. These forms only need to be completed once, but with the introduction of new people, especially in junior clubs, the process becomes an annual reminder to ensure clubs are compliant.
The defining legal requirement is that: ‘require all paid and unpaid employees/volunteers where one of the essential duties of the position involves direct and unsupervised contact with children to sign a Prohibited employment declaration’ and Conduct employment screening on preferred applicants of paid positions, where one of the essential duties for the position involves direct unsupervised contact with children. If you are in any doubt of the requirements or for further information in regards to the legislation please log on to kids.nsw.gov.au
To fill out the Volunteer/Student Declaration online or access a copy of the form please click here
Last Modified on 28/03/2011 21:18