CHILD SAFETY & CODE OF CONDUCT

2021 Commitment to Child Safety

Janelle’s School of Dance Commitment to Child Safety

Janelle’s School of Dance is committed to child safety.
We want children to be safe, happy and empowered. We support and respect all children, as well as our staff, contractors and volunteers.
We are committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children.
We have zero tolerance of child abuse, and all allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously and consistently with our robust policies and procedures. This commitment is demonstrated by our appointment of Janelle House as our Child Safety Officer.
We have legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously.
Our organisation is committed to preventing child abuse and identifying risks early, and removing and reducing these risks.
Our organisation has robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff and contractors.
Our organisation is committed to regularly training and educating our staff and contractors on child abuse risks.
We support and respect all children, as well as our staff, contractors and volunteers. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability
We have specific policies, procedures and training in place that support our leadership team, staff and volunteers to achieve these commitments.
If you believe a child is at immediate risk of abuse phone 000.

Our children

This policy is intended to empower children who are vital and active participants in our organisation. We involve them when making decisions, especially about matters that directly affect them. We listen to their views and respect what they have to say.
We promote diversity and tolerance in our organisation, and people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds are welcome. In particular we:
promote the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of Aboriginal children
promote the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and ensure that children with a disability are safe and can participate equally.

Our staff and contractors

This policy guides our staff and contractors on how to behave with children in our organisation.
All of our staff and contractors must agree to abide by our code of conduct which specifies the standards of conduct required when working with children.

Training and supervision

Training and education is important to ensure that everyone in our organisation understands that child safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Our organisational culture aims for all staff and contractors (in addition to parents/carers and children) to feel confident and comfortable in discussing any allegations of child abuse or child safety concerns. We will be training our staff and contractors to identify, assess, and minimise risks of child abuse and to detect potential signs of child abuse.
We also support our staff and contractors through ongoing supervision to: develop their skills to protect children from abuse; and promote the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from linguistically and/or diverse backgrounds, and the safety of children with a disability.
New employees and contractors will be supervised regularly to ensure they understand our organisation’s commitment to child safety and that everyone has a role to play in protecting children from abuse, as well as checking that their behaviour towards children is safe and appropriate. Any inappropriate behaviour will be reported through proper channels, including the Department of Health and Human Services and Victoria Police, depending on the severity and urgency of the matter.

Recruitment

We take all reasonable steps to employ skilled people to work with children. We develop selection criteria and advertisements which clearly demonstrate our commitment to child safety and an awareness of our social and legislative responsibilities. Our organisation understands that when recruiting staff and contractors we have ethical as well as legislative obligations.
All people engaged in child-related work, are required to hold a Working with Children Check and to provide evidence of this Check. Occasionally at Janelle’s school of Dance we require volunteers to help out at concerts. These volunteers are always supervised by a senior staff member. Please see the Working with Children Check website <www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au> for further information.
We carry out reference checks and police record checks to ensure that we are recruiting the right people.

Fair procedures for personnel

The safety and wellbeing of children is our primary concern. We are also fair and just to personnel. The decisions we make when recruiting, assessing incidents, and undertaking disciplinary action will always be thorough, transparent, and based on evidence.
We record all allegations of abuse and safety concerns using our incident reporting form, including investigation updates. All records are securely stored.
If an allegation of abuse or a safety concern is raised, we provide updates to families on progress and any actions we as an organisation take.

Privacy

All personal information considered or recorded will respect the privacy of the individuals involved, whether they be staff, volunteers, parents or children, unless there is a risk to someone’s safety, as per our Privacy Policy.

Legislative responsibilities

 Our organisation takes our legal responsibilities seriously, including:
Failure to disclose: Reporting child sexual abuse is a community-wide responsibility. All adults in Victoria who have a reasonable belief that an adult has committed a sexual offence against a child under 16 have an obligation to report that information to the police.
Failure to protect: People of authority in our organisation will commit an offence if they know of a substantial risk of child sexual abuse and have the power or responsibility to reduce or remove the risk, but negligently fail to do so.

Risk management

In Victoria, organisations are required to protect children when a risk is identified. In addition to general occupational health and safety risks, we proactively manage risks of abuse to our children.
We have risk management strategies in place to identify, assess, and take steps to minimise child abuse risks, which include risks posed by physical environments. (for example, any doors that can lock)

Regular review

This policy will be reviewed every two years and following significant incidents if they occur. We will ensure that families and children have the opportunity to contribute. Where possible we do our best to work with local Aboriginal communities, culturally and/or linguistically diverse communities and people with a disability.

Allegations, concerns and complaints

Our organisation takes all allegations seriously and has practices in place to investigate thoroughly and quickly. Our staff and contractors are trained to deal appropriately with allegations.
We work to ensure all children, families, staff and volunteers know what to do and who to tell if they observe abuse or are a victim, and if they notice inappropriate behaviour.
We all have a responsibility to report an allegation of abuse if we have a reasonable belief that an incident took place .

Updated JSD 2025 11 Standards Child Safety Policy

Janelle’s School of Dance – Child Safety Standards Compliance Statement

Formal Declaration:
Janelle’s School of Dance (hereafter referred to as “the School”) hereby affirms its unwavering commitment to the safety, wellbeing, and rights of all children in its care. The School fully adheres to the requirements set forth under the Victorian Child Safe Standards pursuant to relevant legislation and regulatory obligations.

Standard 1: Cultural Safety for Aboriginal Children

The School acknowledges and respects the cultural identity of Aboriginal children. Culturally inclusive programs are implemented, and the School engages with local Aboriginal communities to ensure adherence to culturally safe practices.

Standard 2: Leadership, Governance & Culture

A designated Child Safety Officer has been appointed. Child safety principles are integrated into the School’s governance framework. Senior management conducts regular reviews of child safety policies and risk management procedures to ensure compliance with statutory obligations.

Standard 3: Empowering Children & Young People

The School provides age-appropriate information to all children regarding their rights. Mechanisms are in place for students to provide feedback, and children are actively consulted regarding decisions that impact their participation.

Standard 4: Family & Community Involvement

The School communicates its child safety policies to parents, guardians, and the wider community. Families are encouraged to provide feedback and participate in initiatives to enhance child safety.

Standard 5: Equity & Diversity

The School maintains policies promoting equity, inclusion, and respect for diversity. Adjustments are made for students with additional needs. Staff receive training in cultural competence and inclusive educational practices.

Standard 6: Staff & Volunteer Suitability

All staff and volunteers undergo thorough recruitment processes including verification of Working With Children Checks (WWCC) and references. Role descriptions explicitly outline child safety responsibilities. Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development in child safety obligations are provided.

Standard 7: Child-Focused Complaints Process

A formal, child-focused complaints procedure is established. Multiple channels for reporting concerns are accessible. All complaints are documented, investigated promptly, and resolved in accordance with legislative and policy requirements.

Standard 8: Training & Education

Staff and volunteers participate in mandatory training regarding child safety, recognition of abuse, professional boundaries, and reporting obligations. Training is documented, regularly reviewed, and updated to comply with current legal standards.

Standard 9: Safe Environments (Physical & Online)

The School conducts regular risk assessments for all physical and online environments. Students are appropriately supervised, and online safety policies are enforced. Secure systems for storage of personal information and media are maintained in accordance with privacy legislation.

Standard 10: Review & Continuous Improvement

Child safety policies and practices are subject to regular review at least annually. Feedback from children, families, and staff is systematically collected and incorporated into continuous improvement processes. Incidents and near misses inform risk mitigation strategies.

Standard 11: Policies & Procedures

The School maintains comprehensive, documented policies and procedures addressing child safety. Reporting mechanisms, responsibilities, and obligations are clearly defined and communicated to all stakeholders. Policies are reviewed and updated regularly to maintain compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Updated JSD 2025 Code of Conduct

Janelle’s School of Dance – Code of Conduct (Legal and Compliance Statement)

Purpose This Code of Conduct (“Code”) establishes legally binding standards and expectations for all personnel, volunteers, students, parents, guardians, contractors, and visitors (collectively, “Persons”) engaged with Janelle’s School of Dance (hereafter, “the School”) regarding the protection, safety, and wellbeing of children. The Code is issued pursuant to the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic), the Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic), and related legislation, including applicable Commonwealth privacy and anti-discrimination laws.
Scope The Code applies to all Persons during any activity, event, performance, or engagement associated with the School, including physical and online interactions.
Legal Principles and Obligations

Compliance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards is mandatory.
Obligations include mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect under 184 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic).
Adherence to privacy obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and applicable Victorian regulations is required.
Discrimination and harassment are prohibited under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

Expected Conduct Staff and Volunteers:

Uphold professional boundaries and ethical responsibilities towards children at all times.
Exercise due diligence and supervision to ensure child safety.
Report any suspected or actual child abuse to the designated Child Safety Officer and relevant authorities.
Conduct themselves in compliance with all applicable legislation, policies, and the School’s internal procedures.

Students:

Comply with School rules, respecting the rights and wellbeing of peers and staff.
Avoid conduct that may constitute harassment, bullying, or abuse.
Report unsafe or inappropriate behavior promptly.

Parents and Guardians:

Support compliance with child safety and School policies.
Ensure respectful interactions with staff, volunteers, and other students.
Promote adherence to School rules and child safety obligations.

Prohibited Conduct The following actions constitute serious breaches of the Code and relevant legislation:

Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or neglect of any child.
Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
Inappropriate physical or sexual contact.
Breaches of privacy or misuse of digital technologies, including recording or sharing images of children without lawful consent.
Non-compliance with mandatory reporting obligations.

Reporting and Compliance Procedures

All Persons must immediately report any breach, suspected breach, or concern regarding child safety to the Child Safety Officer.
Staff and volunteers are required to comply with mandatory reporting requirements under Victorian law.
The School will maintain records of all reports, investigations, and outcomes in accordance with legal and regulatory obligations.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary measures, including termination of employment or engagement, suspension, restriction of participation, and/or notification to statutory authorities.
Legal consequences may apply for breaches of legislation, including criminal or civil liability.

Acknowledgment All Persons engaged with the School must read, understand, and formally acknowledge this Code of Conduct prior to participation.