Child Safety & Safeguarding Policy

CommShare Inc.

Approval Date:  16/02/2026
Review Date: Every 2 years or earlier if legislation changes
Applies to: Board members, employees, contractors, mentors, tutors, volunteers, student leaders, and partners

 

1. Statement of Commitment

CommShare Inc. is committed to providing a child-safe, inclusive and respectful environment where the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children and young people are paramount.

CommShare has zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect, grooming, exploitation, or any conduct that places children at risk. We actively work to prevent harm and respond promptly, transparently, and appropriately to any child safety concern.

This policy applies to all CommShare activities, including but not limited to:

  • School-based lunchtime programs
  • Student leadership training
  • Mentoring and tutoring services
  • Community events and excursions

 

2. Legal and Policy Framework (South Australia)

This policy is informed by and complies with:

  • Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (South Australia)
  • Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 (South Australia)
  • Mandatory Notification obligations (South Australia)
  • National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
  • Working With Children Check (South Australia) requirements
  • Relevant Department for Education (South Australia) child protection policies

 

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All children and young people participating in CommShare programs
  • All CommShare personnel (paid and unpaid)
  • Third parties engaged by CommShare
  • Board members and executive leadership

 

4. Child Safety Principles

CommShare commits to:

  1. Child-centred practice – the best interests of children are always prioritised
  2. Cultural safety – particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
  3. Inclusion – including children with disabilities, diverse family structures, and diverse backgrounds
  4. Empowerment – children are encouraged to speak up and participate safely
  5. Shared responsibility – safety is everyone’s responsibility

 

5. Codes of Conduct

All CommShare personnel must comply with the Child Safety Code of Conduct, which includes:

Acceptable Behaviour

  • Treat children with respect, dignity and fairness
  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times
  • Use positive, strengths-based behaviour management
  • Follow school supervision and duty of care arrangements
  • Report concerns promptly

Unacceptable Behaviour

  • Physical punishment or humiliating treatment
  • Sexualised language, jokes or behaviour of any form
  • Being alone with a child without appropriate supervision
  • Unauthorised contact outside approved program activities
  • Sharing personal contact details or social media with students
  • Taking photos or videos without consent

 

6. Recruitment, Screening & Training

CommShare ensures:

  • All staff, tutors, mentors and volunteers hold a current South Australian Working With Children Check
  • Identity verification and referee checks are conducted before onboarding
  • Induction includes:
  • Child safety obligations
  • Mandatory reporting requirements
  • Behaviour boundaries
  • Incident reporting processes
  • Ongoing refresher training as required

 

7. Supervision & Program Safety

  • CommShare lunch-time programs operate under school supervision during school hours
  • A designated School Coordinator remains on duty at all times
  • Appropriate adult-to-student ratios are maintained
  • Risk assessments are conducted for new or higher-risk activities
  • Clear behaviour expectations are communicated to students

 

8. Child Participation & Voice

CommShare actively supports children to:

  • Participate safely in leadership roles
  • Provide feedback on programs
  • Raise concerns without fear of punishment
  • Access support through trusted adults

Information about how to report concerns is provided in age-appropriate language.

 

9. Reporting Child Safety Concerns

9.1 Immediate Risk

If a child is in immediate danger:

  • Contact Emergency Services (000)
  • Notify the School Principal immediately

9.2 Mandatory Reporting

CommShare personnel who form a reasonable suspicion of harm must:

  • Report to the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) in South Australia on 13 14 78.
  • Notify CommShare leadership and the School Coordinator

9.3 Internal Reporting

All child safety concerns (including boundary breaches) must be:

  • Documented using CommShare’s Incident Report
  • Escalated to senior management
  • Managed confidentially, respectfully and effectively

 

10. Responding to Allegations

CommShare will:

  • Take all allegations seriously
  • Act promptly and fairly
  • Prioritise child safety over organisational reputation
  • Cooperate with police, child protection authorities, and schools
  • Support affected children and families

 

11. Privacy & Confidentiality

  • Information is shared strictly on a need-to-know basis
  • Records are stored securely
  • Privacy legislation is complied with at all times

 

12. Review & Continuous Improvement

This policy is reviewed:

  • Every two years
  • After any serious incident
  • When legislation or school requirements change

Approved by the Board of CommShare Inc.