VR1 Volley Child Safety Policy Statement
At VR1 Volley, the safety, well-being, and empowerment of all children and young people involved in our club are our highest priorities. We are committed to providing a child-safe environment where all participants feel respected, valued, and protected from any form of harm. This policy outlines our commitment and practices in creating and maintaining a child-safe culture.
Our Commitment
VR1 Volley is dedicated to upholding and implementing the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and the Victorian Child Safe Standards. We believe that all children and young people have the right to participate in sports within an environment that is physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe. We are committed to fostering a culture of openness, accountability, and integrity, where child safety is embedded in all our practices and decision-making.
Creating a Child-Safe Environment
To achieve our commitment, VR1 Volley will:
Prioritise Child Safety: Child safety is at the forefront of all our activities, policies, and procedures.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse: We have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of child abuse, neglect, or harm. Any concerns will be taken seriously and responded to promptly and appropriately.
Empowerment of Children: We promote the active participation and empowerment of children and young people, ensuring their voices are heard and valued in decisions that affect them. We encourage them to speak up if they feel unsafe or know someone who is.
Clear Codes of Conduct: We establish clear and consistent Codes of Conduct for all staff, volunteers, parents, and participants, outlining expected behaviours and responsibilities to ensure child safety.
Rigorous Recruitment and Screening: All staff and volunteers who work with children and young people undergo thorough screening processes, including mandatory Working With Children Checks (WWCC) in accordance with Victorian legislation, reference checks, and interviews.
Ongoing Training and Education: We provide regular child safety training and education for our coaches, staff, and volunteers, ensuring they understand their roles and responsibilities in protecting children.
Transparent Reporting Procedures: We maintain clear and accessible procedures for reporting child safety concerns, ensuring that all reports are handled sensitively, confidentially (where appropriate), and in line with legal obligations. We support individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
Support and Welfare: We are committed to providing support and assistance to any child or young person who is affected by child safety issues, as well as to staff and volunteers who raise concerns.
Privacy and Information Sharing: We manage personal information about children and young people responsibly and securely, and share information only when legally required or necessary to protect a child's safety.
Continuous Improvement: We regularly review and update our Child Safety Policy and practices to ensure they remain effective and compliant with current legislation and best practice guidelines.
Roles and Responsibilities
Every member of the VR1 Volley community – including players, coaches, volunteers, parents/guardians, and administrators – has a role to play in upholding this Child Safety Policy and contributing to a child-safe environment.
Reporting Concerns
If you have any child safety concerns, no matter how small, please report them immediately to:
M. Hatch - Child Safety Officer/Designated Person
Mhtach@seoudsolicitors.com.au
We assure you that all concerns will be treated with the utmost seriousness and respect for privacy, and action will be taken in accordance with our procedures and legal requirements.
In an emergency or if a child is at immediate risk, always call 000. Other external reporting agencies include:
Child Protection (Victoria): 1300 664 977
Victoria Police: (Non-emergency) 131 444
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Play by the Rules: (Online reporting resources) playbytherules.net.au
We follow the VVL Child Protection Policy.
Our program is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all children. To ensure the highest standards of care and safety, we strictly follow the Volleyball Victoria (VVL) Child Protection Policy. This includes appropriate supervision, safe practices, and a zero-tolerance approach to any form of harm or neglect.