Child safe Policy

The Child Safe Policy for Melissa Howie Consulting demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that children and young people who engage with the practice are safe, respected, and protected from harm. This policy applies to all therapists, students, volunteers, and contractors engaged at Melissa Howie Consulting, and provides guidance in how to create and maintain a safe therapeutic environment.

Commitment to Child Safety

All staff and representatives of the practice must:

Value, respect, and listen to children and young people
Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children above all else
Commit to cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with disability.

Code of conduct

All staff and representatives of the practice must:

Act in the best interests of the child or young person at all times
Treat children with respect, regardless of age, gender, cultural background, disability, or sexuality
Maintain clear and professional boundaries
Obtain informed consent from parents/guardians for services, unless exceptions apply (e.g., mature minor, legal order).

All staff and representatives of the practice must not:

Develop any ‘special’ relationships with children or young people outside of the professional relationship
Use physical punishment, inappropriate language, or degrading treatment
Take part in any unnecessary physical contact with a child or young person
Encourage children and young people to ‘have a say’ on issues that impact their care.

Recruitment, Screening & training

All staff must hold valid Working with Children Checks.
Recruitment processes will include reference checks and verification of qualifications and registration.
Staff will receive training in child safety, mandatory reporting obligations, and responding to disclosures of harm.

Responding to concerns, disclosures, or allegations

All concerns or disclosures of harm must be taken seriously and responded to promptly.
Staff have a legal and ethical duty to comply with mandatory reporting requirements under relevant SA legislation.
Allegations against staff will be handled in line with professional, legal, and regulatory requirements (e.g., AASW, police, and child protection services). Click here to call the Child Abuse Report Line on 13 14 78.
Records of concerns and actions will be documented securely and confidentially.

privacy & confidentiality

Children and families have a right to privacy, with information collected and stored securely in line with the Privacy Policy.
Information will only be shared when required for safety, clinical, legal, or regulatory reasons.

Participation & feedback

Children, young people, and families will be encouraged to provide feedback about their experiences.
Complaints will be managed fairly, transparently, and promptly.

Risk management

Risks to child safety will be identified and mitigated through ongoing review of policies, supervision, and clinical practice.
Environments where children engage will be safe, inclusive, and welcoming.

review

This policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner if legislative or organisational changes require.