DANCE DYNAMICS CHILD SAFE POLICY AND CODE OF CONDUCT

POLICY NAME : Dance Dynamics Child Safe Policy and staff Code of conduct

  • The Dance Dynamics Child Safe Policy is in place to ensure the commitment by management, staff and instructors to provide a child safe environment, by providing a code of conduct and policies to ensure that everyone is keep safe from harm and the appropriate reporting pathways are in place.

AIM OF CHILD SAFE POLICY 

  • This aim Child Safe Policy is to protect the safety of children under our instruction during classes to prevent abuse from occurring. We aim to promote the empowerment of children through participation, giving them confidence to have control over the circumstances in their lives.

  • The aim of the Child Safe Policy is to provide a framework where should an allegation or complaint of abuse arise, the appropriate processes are in place where the compliant is treated seriously and are fully investigated with confidentiality and discretion.

  • The Child Safe Policy and our Code of Conduct provide clear expectations for all management, staff and instructors at Dance Dynamics for the appropriate behavioural actions around children.

  • At Dance Dynamics we are committed to the inclusion of all children from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and aim to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all children to experience the joy of dance.

SCOPE OF POLICY

  • This Child Safe Policy applies to all management, staff, instructors, participants and parents who are involved with and/or attend Dance Dynamics Studios.

  • This Child Safe Policy covers all children attending our classes, giving them a right to feel safe, welcome and have fun, and the confidence to know that their voice is valued and that Dance Dynamics will act on any concerns raised by children or their parents.

  • By adopting a Child Safe policy, Dance Dynamics is acting in a preventive manner to help reduce the potential risk and likelihood of risks becoming realised.

DEFINITIONS

  • Child Abuse can be divided into 4 areas :

    • Physical abuse - when a child suffers or is likely to suffer from significant harm from a non accidental physical injury

    • Sexual abuse - when a child suffers or is likely to suffer from significant harm from sexual abuse such as when a child exploited for sexual gratification.

    • Emotional and psychological abuse - when a child suffers or is likely to suffer emotional or psychological harm that can significantly damage the child’s emotional or intellectual health and development.

    • Neglect – occurs when a child’s physical development or health has been or is significantly damaged. Can refer to the omission or deprivation of food, clothing, warmth, hygiene, supervision, medical care or safety.

  • Child abuse includes any action that results in the actual or potential harm to a child in circumstances where the child’s parent have not protected or are unable to protect the child.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE PROCEDURE 

  • If a staff member/instructor becomes aware of an incident or allegation of abuse or has reasonable grounds to form a belief of abuse, it is the first responsibility to ensure the child/ren are safe and away from further risk of harm.

    • Reasonable grounds for belief – formed on the reasonable belief that the child is in need of protection, has suffered or likely to suffer harm as the result of a physical or sexual injury, or if the parents are unwilling or unable to protect the child.

    • Reasonable belief can come about on grounds of notification from the child, from observations of the child, or allegations surrounding the child.

  • If a staff member/instructor is concerned about the immediate risk to the child, or criminal conduct has occurred, that person must call 000 and report matter to the Victorian Police immediately.

  • If a staff member/instructor receives information that leads them to belief that an offence has been committed, mandatory reporting requirements must be met, including reporting firstly to :

    • Management/Director of Dance Dynamics

Secondly to – 

    • Victorian Police

    • DHHS Child Protection Unit

  • Once a complaint or allegation is made to the Management/Director of Dance Dynamics , they have a duty of care make a report to the Victorian Police and DHHS Child Protection unit as soon as possible.

  • All complaints and allegations must be documented with proof of receipt of complaint/allegation, and Management/Director of Dance Dynamics will meet with complainant in regards to the allegation.

  • If a staff members/instructor is uncertain to whether they should make a report to an external authority in regards to a child or if a member/participant of Dance Dynamics wishes to voice concern/complaint in regards to a Child Safety issue, seek a meeting and advice from Management/Director at Dance Dynamics for guidance in regards to the matter.

  • If further evidence arises after first complaint/allegation, or to further strengthen the Reasonable grounds of Belief, another report must be documented and presented to Management/Director of Dance Dynamics, the Victorian Police and DHHS Child Protection unit.

  • Dance Dynamics will investigate allegations against a child with procedural fairness, and will work in accordance with Victoria Police and/or DHHS in relation to investigations conducted by these authorities.

SCREENING AND RECRUITING OF STAFF MEMBERS

  • Dance Dynamics applies best practice standards in the recruitment of new staff members, and that the recruitment process includes addressing the Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct with applicant.

  • Where a position for a new staff member involves responsibility for children, interview questions will revolve around their previous experience in working with children, as well as providing appropriate evidence and references

  • A valid Working With Children will be mandatory for new staff members, and all must pass the screening and recruitment process prior to commencing at Dance Dynamics.

  • New staff members must read, acknowledge and sign the Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct before commencing employment with Dance Dynamics.

  • If an allegation is against a member of staff, the safety of the child is the utmost importance. The staff member will be removed and stood down from instructing classes while under investigation from the relevant authorities into the seriousness of the allegation.

MUSIC & ROUTINE CHOICE GUIDELINES

·         All music played in any class (DanceFit, Dance or Fitness) at Dance Dynamics must not contain any explicit language.

·         Routines in DanceFit and Dance classes must not be overtly sexual or have suggestive sexual movements, to reduce the possibility of abuse or comments.  Instructor’s must plan their routines accordingly so that children and young people feel comfortable and confident within Dance Dynamics.

·         Any complaints or feedback in regards to an Instructor's choice of music or routine must be presented to the Director of Dance Dynamics, so that correction can be made.

SOCIAL MEDIA

·         Dance Dynamics uses social media platforms for marketing and member resource purposes.  Photos and videos may occur of or during classes, and then published on social media platforms.  Consent must be given by all members to have their photograph taken.

·         Instructors must tell all members, including children, when they are to take a photo or video, to provide the opportunity for that member to decline and remove themselves from the photo.

·         Members are not allowed to take photos or videos during classes and place images on social media that contain children or young people within them, even in the background.

·         Dance Dynamics will not distribute, modify or misuse any image of a child or young person against their wishes or without their knowledge.

·         Dance Dynamics will not tag or name children in photos or videos on social media platforms. Dance Dynamics recognises the right that children have to safety both in their physical and online environments, and actively promotes the wellbeing of all children. 

POLICY PROMTION AND REVIEW

  • This Child Safe Policy is made available to all parents and guardians of children and young people who attend a Dance Dynamics studio.

  • A copy of the Child Safe Policy is available of the Dance Dynamics Website for all new and prospective participants.

  • The Child Safe Policy is communicated all staff, management, instructors and contractors of Dance Dynamics

  • This Child Safe Policy is reviewed on a biennial basis by Dance Dynamics management. Feedback or recommendations for changes can be submitted to Management for review.