Adopted in August 2025

1. Introduction

At Wattle Pathways, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for all children and young people who engage with our paid and free tutoring and civic and career services. This policy outlines our approach to protecting children from harm, promoting wellbeing, and creating child-safe environments in line with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and our legal obligations under Victorian and Commonwealth law.

We have zero tolerance for child abuse or neglect and believe that every child has a right to feel safe, respected, and included. We uphold the best interests of the child in all our work and decisions.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All Wattle Pathways staff, board members, tutors and volunteers
• All activities and environments (in person or online) where we engage with children and young people
• All services, including tutoring, mentoring, events, excursions, digital platforms, and community outreach
• Any location where Wattle Pathways programs are delivered, including third-party venues, offsite excursions, and in partnership settings

3. Our Commitment to Child Safety

We are committed to:

• Embedding child safety and wellbeing in our organisational culture, leadership, and practice
• Promoting children’s rights and empowering young people to participate in decisions that affect them
• Taking all allegations and safety concerns seriously, responding promptly and respectfully
• Creating inclusive environments that support diversity and cultural safety for all irrespective of their socio-economic background, ability and gender status.
• Ensuring staff, tutors and volunteers are screened, trained, and supported to work safely with children
• Reviewing regularly and improving our child safety practices and policies

4. Child Participation and Empowerment

We recognise that children and young people are key stakeholders in our organisation. We actively:

• Create age-appropriate opportunities for them to share feedback and participate in decision-making (e.g., student feedback forms, informal consultation)
• Educate students on their rights and what to do if they feel unsafe
• Support their voices to be heard and taken seriously in all matters affecting them

5. Working with Families and Communities

At Wattle Pathways, we value working with families and communities. We commit to:

• Provide clear and timely information about our child safety commitments and practices
• Seek informed consent for children’s participation in programs and data collection
• Involve families in reviewing policies and practices where appropriate
• Respect cultural values and build trust through inclusive and transparent communication

6. Recruitment, Screening, and Training

To reduce risk and support a safe environment:

• All staff, tutors and volunteers must hold a current Working with Children Check in Victorian (or equivalent check in other states and territories)
• Referee checks and role-appropriate screening are conducted before appointment
• Staff, tutors and volunteers also complete child safety induction module before they start their role

7. Responding to Concerns and Reporting

Wattle Pathways is committed to developing a clear reporting and responding to concerns. We:

• Take all concerns about child safety seriously, including disclosures, suspicions, or breaches of conduct
• Prioritise the child’s safety and wellbeing in all actions taken
• Comply with legal obligations, including mandatory reporting and information sharing
• Maintain confidentiality and accurate records
• Provide culturally safe and child-friendly reporting pathways (e.g., incident forms, informal check-ins, direct access to relevant officer)
• Ensure staff understand their reporting obligations and know how to respond to a disclosure

8. Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy is reviewed every two years or sooner if required by legislative or operational changes. Review processes include:

• Consulting with staff, tutors, volunteers, children, and families
• Analysing incidents, complaints, and feedback to identify areas for improvement
• Updating practices based on guidance from regulators or peak bodies

9. Access and Contact

On request, we will be able to provide this policy in plain language or in your preferred language other than English.

For concerns, feedback, or more information about this policy, please email us via admin@wattlepathways.com.au

Acknowledgment

This policy has been informed by materials from the Australian Human Rights Commission, Indigo Foundation, and Save the Children Australia, whose work on child safety policies and frameworks in the community sector is gratefully acknowledged.