Client and Child Safety Policy

Client and Child Safety Policy

1.  Purpose 

To outline Orange Sky’s (OS) commitment to safeguarding all people accessing our services particularly children and other vulnerable individuals from abuse of any kind, and to ensure a caring, timely, and appropriate response to any known or suspected abuse.

2.  Scope 

This policy applies to all members of the Orange Sky community, including board members, employees, volunteers, and contractors.

3.  Policy Statement 

Everyone is entitled to feel safe, cared for, and respected. Orange Sky is committed to providing a safe and secure environment where service users including children and vulnerable people are protected from abuse.

Children are not the primary users of Orange Sky services, however, when they accompany an adult they may interact with Orange Sky teams. In these circumstances, children have the same right to safety and respect as any other person engaging with Orange Sky.

Orange Sky team members (employees, volunteers, and contractors) interact with many people in the course of regular operations, including those accessing the service (‘friends’). While it is not the role of OS team members to provide direct care, support, or assistance outside the scope of their role, they must act within OS policies and procedures to uphold this commitment to safeguarding.

What is Abuse?

Abuse refers to any behaviour or action intended to cause harm to another person. This includes:

• Physical abuse: threatened or actual harm, restraint, or unsafe practices.

• Sexual abuse: assault, harassment, or exploitation of a sexual nature.

• Verbal/emotional abuse: harassment, intimidation, or coercion.

• Exploitation: misuse of power, authority, financial, legal, or other situations to the detriment of another person.

• Neglect: failure to provide necessary care, support, or protection.

• Exposure to family violence: witnessing violence within the home.

• Reprisal for disclosure: threatening or punishing someone for reporting abuse.

Child Safety Commitment 

Orange Sky is committed to:

• Providing a safe and respectful environment for all children who may interact with Orange Sky services when accompanied by an adult.

• Reducing the risk of child abuse occurring within the Orange Sky community.

• Taking a caring and appropriate response where child abuse becomes known or suspected.

• Ensuring compliance with Working with Children or Working with Vulnerable People requirements across jurisdictions.

• Requiring all personnel participating in Pick Up Drop Off (PUDO) shifts to hold a valid Blue Card (QLD) or equivalent Working with Children Check in other jurisdictions.

• Precluding candidates with prior convictions for violent or sexual offences from engagement in roles involving direct supervision or responsibility for service users.

Safeguards and Practices 

Orange Sky implements the following measures to protect all service users:

• Formal interviews, review of work history, and reference checks for all leadership and management roles (paid or volunteer).

• Maintaining compliance with mandatory checks and screening as per state legislation.

• Ensuring all PUDO shift personnel hold valid Blue Cards (QLD) or equivalent checks elsewhere.

• Promoting an environment where victims, employees, and volunteers feel safe and supported to report abuse.

Reporting and Response to General Abuse Concerns 

If there is reasonable suspicion of abuse, OS will:

• Investigate thoroughly and immediately.

• Appoint an independent investigator.

• Notify relevant stakeholders, including the Board and insurers.

• Keep accurate and detailed records of allegations, witness accounts, and findings.

• Ensure confidentiality and integrity throughout the process.

Child Safety Concerns 

If you are concerned that a child interacting with OS services is being abused, neglected, or is at risk, and no parent is able or willing to protect them, you must:

• Report via the Orange Sky Incident Reporting Process; and

• Report directly to the relevant child protection authority (see contact list below).

Mandatory reporting is a legal requirement across all Australian jurisdictions, though the specifics vary. It is the responsibility of each individual to:

1. Know whether they are a mandatory reporter in their jurisdiction.

2. Seek guidance from their professional body if unsure.

3. Report child abuse as required by law while volunteering or working with Orange Sky.

For more information, visit the Australian Institute of Family Studies: https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/

4.  State and Territory Child Protection Contacts 

Australian Capital Territory

Reporting authority

Office for Children, Youth and Family Support

General enquiries Ph: 13 22 81

Mandated reporters Ph: 1300 556 729

New South Wales

Reporting authority

Department of Family and Community Services

Ph: (02) 9716 2222

Further services

Child Protection Helpline

Ph: 13 21 11

Northern Territory

Reporting authority

Territory Families

Ph: (08) 8922 7111

Further services

Child Protection Hotline

Ph: 1800 700 250

Queensland

Reporting authority

Department of Communities Child Safety and Disability Services

Ph: (07) 3224 8045 To locate your nearest

Child Safety Service Centre

Ph: 1800 811 810

Child Safety After Hours Service Centre

Ph: 1800 177 135

South Australia

Reporting authority

Department for Education and Child Development Ph: (08) 8124 4185 Child Abuse Report Line

Ph: 13 14 78

After hours crisis care

Ph: 13 16 11

Tasmania

Reporting authority

Department of Health and Human Services

Ph: 1300 135 513

24 hour number: 1300 737 639

Victoria

Reporting authority

Department of Human Services

For regional and metropolitan phone numbers, go to: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/

After Hours Child Protection Crisis Line

Ph: 13 12 78

Western Australia

Reporting authority 

Department for Child Protection and Family Support

Ph: (08) 9222 2555

After hours: Ph: (08) 9223 1111

5.  Revision

This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or as required to reflect legislative or operational changes. Any revisions will be communicated to affected staff and volunteers prior to implementation.