(1) The purpose of this procedure is to: (2) This policy applies to: (3) All Melbourne Polytechnic staff must report offences of child abuse or harm. Failure to report child abuse is a criminal offence. Concerns regarding suspected or actual abuse of children must be reported promptly to a Child Safety Officer. (4) When responding to disclosures, staff should be mindful of the following: (5) Where a staff member has a reasonable belief that a child or young person has been abused or is at risk of being abused they must first ensure that the child is out of the risk of danger and is safe. (6) If a child or young person is in immediate danger, staff students and associates must notify Police immediately by phone on 000. (7) If a staff member, student or associate considers that a child is at immediate risk on campus, they should call Campus Security, and seek to ensure that the child is protected and removed from any immediate harm. (8) If there is a risk to the immediate safety of a child (non-life-threatening), staff, students or associates should immediately telephone Child Protection in their local government area (business hours) or the Child Protection Crisis Line after hours on 13 12 78. (9) Child Protection Services may only investigate if the abuse is by an adult against a child aged under 16 years. In relation to all child abuse concerns, staff, students and associates must: (10) The Child Safety Officer will receive, record and maintain reports of child abuse in accordance with the privacy and confidentiality requirements, and immediately notify the Chief Executive (or nominee). (11) The Chief Executive (or nominee) will begin a formal investigation as required by the Reportable Conduct Scheme. (12) The Chief Executive (or nominee) will report to CCYP by taking the following steps: (13) The Chief Executive and Executive Directors will oversee and deliver strategies and initiatives to embed an organisational culture to child safety, through effective leadership arrangements, and championing child safe practices by leading though example. (14) The Chief Executive is responsible for meeting the obligations of the Reportable Conduct Scheme and is the nominated head for Melbourne Polytechnic’s compliance. (15) The Executive Director People, Culture and Corporate Services will provide supervision, training, screening and other robust staff recruitment processes that minimise the risk of child abuse. (16) Child Safety Officers will facilitate training, provide information and support, and advise on mandatory reporting requirements for staff and students. They are also responsible for receiving, reviewing and responding to incidents and outcomes (summary reporting and continuous improvement). (17) The Manager, Student Services will provide children with access to tailored supports and services. (18) The Student Wellbeing Adviser, Counsellors and Koori Liaison and Support Officers will provide students with pastoral care and appropriate support assessed on an individual basis, and/or provide referral to external agencies where appropriate. (19) All staff must comply with the Child Safety Standards and requirements to respond to incidents, disclosures and suspicions of Child Abuse. (20) For the purpose of this procedure the definitions set out in the Child Wellbeing and Safety Policy will apply.Child Wellbeing and Safety Procedure
Section 1 - Purpose
Top of PageSection 2 - Scope
Top of PageSection 3 - Procedure
Mandatory Reporting Requirements
Reporting Child Abuse Concerns
Top of Page
Section 4 - Responsibility and Accountability
Section 5 - Definitions
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DO reassure the child/young person that they have done the right thing in telling you
DO inform the child/young person of the reporting procedure
DO allow the child/young person to speak in their own words and as much as they need to
DO commence the Reporting Procedure immediately after disclosureDO NOT blame or shame the child/young person for any actions
DO NOT ask for details of the abuse that were not in the disclosure
DO NOT allow the child or young person to return to the place where the alleged abuse occurred
DO NOT unnecessarily inform individuals of the disclosure unless they are the reporting line