Child Protection Policy

February 2021

Riyala Inc, as an entity, does not work with or run programs for children.

The Board of Management has minimal contact with guests, limited to welcoming and final inspection and if called upon to address a problem. The property and facilities are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness and safety.

Neither the Site Manager nor any of the volunteer staff members work with children or run any programs that involve children.

However, we are diligent to ensure that any children who do come onto the property will not be put at risk of abuse or abused in any way. If we come to a reasonable belief that such abuse has occurred, is happening or likely to happen, then we will make a report to the Police or to the Child Protection Hotline.

NT Report child abuse
Child abuse of any kind is not tolerated at Riyala

Child abuse includes:

  • physical abuse;
  • sexual abuse or sexual misconduct with a child or in the presence of a child;
  • emotional/psychological abuse;
  • neglect (failure to supervise or provide for the child’s needs that leads to harm or ill-health)

Child Protection Strategies

1. Hiring Criteria

The property is only hired out to groups or organisations who satisfy the conditions outlined on the Hiring Form (see Appendix 1). The form makes clear our commitment to Child Safety and requires the Person in Charge to accept responsibility for the care and protection of any children who come onto the property, for whom they have a duty of care.

2. Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct

If the hiring group does not have a formal Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct which applies to all participating adults, then the group must comply with this Policy and Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct includes a Declaration which is to be signed by those working with children whilst on site.

If there are differences in the standards of behaviour expected, then this Policy and Code of Conduct will be our guide to due diligence and reporting, if required.

3. Complaints Report Form

A Complaints Report Form is available from the Site Manager or the Office if a guest, including a child, wishes to make a complaint regarding child abuse. Official correspondence and complaints can be sent to the Riyal Board (see contacts) or via the secretary.

4. Emergency Contact Numbers

A list of Emergency Contact numbers, including the Child Abuse Hotline, is displayed in the main Dining Hall.

Code of conduct

Our commitment

The commitment of the Board of Management of ‘Riyala’ to expressing the love of Christ in word and action leads us to the view that all people should be able to live, work and learn in an environment that is free from abuse of any kind. We will not tolerate abusive behaviour towards children. Any and all allegations or disclosures of abuse will be investigated, and reported, if it can reasonably be believed that a child has been, is or may be abused or be at risk of abuse.

Our commitment is to cultivate an environment and culture where a diversity of people, regardless of age, gender, race and culture can thrive and grow holistically. That is, we are committed to Riyala Inc being a safe place for all people, with a special focus on the safety and wellbeing of children. We recognise the specific needs of children from diverse cultural or language backgrounds, including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, and children with disabilities.

Our aims

This Code of Conduct aims to detail the standards of conduct expected by adults when working with children in this setting and to provide guidance in areas where there is a need to make personal and ethical decisions.

The Code of Conduct recognises and is aligned with all statutory and compliance requirements enshrined in State and Federal law. Riyala Inc. is committed to operating in accordance with the law in all its operations.

The Code of Conduct

I, accept that I have a duty of care to all children who are in residence at for this camp or program, and more generally, to all children. This includes avoiding any form of action or speech that may harm, hinder, offend or abuse a child, and actively seeking to practice the highest standards of conduct in all my interactions.

Therefore, I will:

  • contact the Police if a child is at immediate risk of abuse (telephone ‘000’);
  • adhere to the Child Protection Policy and Procedure and uphold xx commitment to child safety at all times;
  • take all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse, recognising my duty of care;
  • conduct myself in a way that honours God and provides a positive role model to children and young people;
  • be responsible for planning, risk-assessment and safe delivery of programs and activities in my area of responsibility;
  • establish and maintain a child-safe environment in the areas where activities may take place;
  • treat children and young people with respect. I will value their ideas, opinions and consider their age, background and abilities;
  • promote the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island children (with the aim of broadening community respect for their culture and history, also including any children with disabilities;
  • listen and respond to the views and concerns of children, particularly if they tell me that they or another child has been abused or that they are worried about their safety or the safety of another child;
  • ensure (as far as practicable) that I or others with whom I work are not alone with a child, or, at least, observable by another adult if they are alone.
  • raise concerns about suspected abuse with the Person in Charge or the Site Manager
  • comply with all reporting obligations as they relate to reporting under legislation;
  • record and act upon all allegations or suspicions of abuse, discrimination or harassment;
  • ensure that, if an allegation of child abuse is made, I take immediate steps to establish the ongoing safety of the child or children;
  • be consistent and responsible in all my actions, including being punctual and prepared;
  • maintain strict impartiality;
  • respect confidentiality when sharing information about children in accordance with my reporting obligations;

In full awareness of my responsibility to protect and care for children, I will not:

  • ignore or disregard any suspected or disclosed child abuse;
  • put a child at risk of abuse through negligence or lack of awareness;
  • speak to a child in a way that is or could be construed by any observer as harsh, threatening, intimidating, shaming, derogatory, demeaning, or humiliating. Some examples are:
    • swearing or using inappropriate language in the presence of a child;
    • yelling at a child, except in an emergency situation where the child’s safety may be in danger;
    • dealing with a child in anger; and using hurtful sarcasm.
    • discuss sexual activities with a child, unless I am authorised, trained or qualified to discuss these matters as part of a learning program;
  • exchange personal contact details such as phone number, social networking sites or email addresses with a child (unless necessary and approved by the child’s parents/guardians as the agreed form of communication);
  • use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol while in the presence of or while supervising a child;
  • use, possess, or be under the influence of illegal drugs while in the presence of or while supervising a child;
  • provide or allow a child to consume alcohol or illegal drugs;
  • initiate unnecessary physical contact with a child or young person, or do things of a personal nature for them that they can do for themselves;
  • engage in rough physical games, hold, tickle, massage, kiss, cuddle or touch a child in an inappropriate and or/culturally insensitive way;
  • engage in any sexual contact with a child for any purpose;
  • be naked in the presence of a child;
  • possess or access sexually explicit printed materials (magazines, images, cards, videos, films, clothing, etc.) in the presence of children;
  • sleep in the same bed, sleeping bag, room or tent with a single child;
  • discriminate against any child, on the basis of age, gender, race, culture, sexuality, or disability;
  • engage in any activity with a child that is likely to emotionally harm them (e.g. watch a movie that is inappropriate in terms of the child’s age or content or subject matter);
  • be alone with a child unnecessarily and for more than a very short time, unless you are observable by another adult or it is unavoidable; I will always inform a colleague if one-on-one contact is necessary.
  • develop a ‘special’ relationship with a specific child to gratify my needs;
  • show favouritism through the provision of gifts or inappropriate attention;
  • photograph or video a child without the consent of the child and his/her parents or guardians;
  • do anything in contravention of the Child Protection Policies, procedures or this Code.