Child Protection in Department of Education Sites Policy

The Department is committed to being a child safe organisation through the prevention, identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect. This includes the provision of support to children who have been abused, or are affected by abuse or neglect.

2. Policy rules

• take all actions and make decisions based on the best interests of the child
• apply child safe principles
• report all concerns relating to possible child abuse and neglect
• comply with the procedures relevant to their position:
  • Child Protection in Department of Education Sites Procedures for Principals
  • Child Protection in Department of Education Sites Procedures for Teachers
  • Child Protection in Department of Education Sites Procedures for School Psychologists
  • Child Protection in Department of Education Sites Procedures for School Counsellors
  • Child Protection in Department of Education Sites Procedures for Boarding Supervisors
  • Child Protection in Department of Education Sites Procedures for Allied Professionals
  • Child Protection in Department of Education Sites Procedures for Residential College Managers.

  Guidance

  The child safe principles that apply to this policy are:

  • actions that reduce the likelihood of harm occurring to children and young people
  • actions that increase the likelihood of any harm being discovered
  • appropriate responses by staff to any disclosures, allegations or suspicions of harm.

  For further information on embedding the Child Safe principles in schools, visit the National Office for Child Safety and Commissioner for Children and Young People website.

  The Department promotes positive and inclusive school communities where all members feel safe and are safe.

  Principals should take into account the following determinants when making decisions in the best interest of the child:

  • the need to protect the child from harm
  • the capacity of the child’s parents to protect the child from harm
  • the capacity of the child’s parents, or of any other person, to provide for the child’s needs
  • the nature of the child’s relationship with the child’s parents, siblings and other relatives and with any other people who are significant in the child’s life
  • the attitude to the child, and to parental responsibility, demonstrated by the child’s parents
  • any wishes or views expressed by the child, having regard to the child’s age and level of understanding in determining the weight to be given to those wishes or views
  • the child’s age, maturity, sex, sexuality, background and language
  • the child’s physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and developmental needs
  • the child’s educational needs.

  The procedures for teachers apply to staff who are registered with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia and are currently working in the role of a teacher.

  The procedures for boarding supervisors apply to staff who hold an office or position at a boarding facility; the duties of which include the supervision of children living at the facility while they attend school.

  The procedures for school psychologists apply to staff who are registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (WA) Act 2010 in the psychology profession (other than as a student).

  The procedures for school counsellors apply to staff who are employed or engaged in a school (as defined in the School Education Act 1999 section 4) to provide counselling or pastoral care to children who attend the school. It does not include adults employed or engaged as a student or volunteer. According to current JDFs, Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers fall within the definition of school counsellor.

  The procedures for allied professionals are for staff employed under s235(1)(a), (c) and (d) of the School Education Act 1999 who are not categorised as school counsellors and are therefore non-mandatory reporters. This may include but is not limited to: managers corporate services, school officers, education assistants, library officers, laboratory technicians, home economic assistants, participation coordinators, attendance officers, youth support officers, social trainers, school based community liaison officers, home education moderators, public service officers, other officers and wages staff.

  3. Responsibility for implementation and compliance

  Implementation of the policy is the responsibility of all staff.

  Compliance monitoring is the responsibility of line managers.

  4. Scope

  This policy applies to all Department staff.