The Wandering Man takes immense pride in our dedication to fostering and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children, encompassing children from First Nations backgrounds, those with disabilities, from culturally and linguistically diverse origins, and gender-diverse children.
We are acutely aware of the intrinsic connection between the security and welfare of children and the successful realisation of our organisational Mission and Vision.
Aligned with the core values of our not-for-profit organisation, The Wandering Man is steadfast in our efforts to support the mental health and wellbeing of children, cultivate an environment that prioritises child safety, attentively listen to the voices of our younger community members, and diligently work towards minimising any risk of harm.
We maintain an unequivocal zero-tolerance stance on any form of child abuse and are committed to integrating and actioning robust processes to address any incidents that may arise.
We understand that the responsibility for child safety is a collective one, shared among The Wandering Man, our staff, volunteers, contractors, partners, and the broader community, and we will uphold this responsibility in strict accordance with Australian child protection laws and standards.
We manifest our pledge to child safety and wellbeing through a series of decisive actions:- Our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy is disseminated to all current and incoming staff members and volunteers, with the expectation that it will be actively upheld.
- We provide comprehensive induction and ongoing training for employees and volunteers, focusing on children's rights, as well as child safety and wellbeing, ensuring they are well-informed and prepared.
- Any concerns regarding potential harm or abuse of children must be promptly reported by employees and volunteers as part of their duty.
- All reports and complaints pertaining to this policy are subject to swift and meticulous investigation to ensure immediate action.
- A valid Working with Children Check is a mandatory requirement for all employees and volunteers, reinforcing our commitment to safeguarding children.
- In our decision-making processes, especially on issues that have a direct impact on them, we strive to include children's voices and perspectives wherever feasible.
- Through proactive measures, we diligently manage any risks that might lead to harm to children within our care or through our programs.
- Transparency is key; therefore, our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy is readily available and accessible to the public on our website.
- To ensure that we are effectively fostering a safe environment for children, this policy, along with its related procedures and practices, undergoes a thorough review every two years.