Prevention of abuse client protection policy

Ashburton Community Centre exists to:

  1. Encourage a sense of belonging to the wider community by providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can come to develop their interests and skills.
  2. Be responsive to the needs of our community by developing and providing a program of classes and activities that enhance health and social wellbeing.

Introduction

Ashburton Community Centre is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all its Employees, Members, Visitors, Volunteers and particularly to Children, the Aged and Vulnerable People.

Ashburton Community Centre’s Client Protection Policy aims to reduce the risk of abuse occurring, and to ensure that a caring and appropriate response is taken should abuse occur.

Everyone working at Ashburton Community Centre is responsible for the care and protection of children, vulnerable and aged attending our activities and reporting information about suspected abuse.

Scope

This policy applies to all Employees, Contractors, Members, Class participants and Volunteers within Ashburton Community Centre or engaged by Ashburton Community Centre.

Obligations

Responsibility
The core expectations of any responsible organisation require us to treat all people with fairness and dignity and to care for those who are less powerful and in need of nurture and protection.

Legal
All relevant organisations within Australia are bound by Federal and State legislation and principles established through common law. Ashburton Community Centre is committed to adhering to all relevant legislation.

Ethical
Some actions may not be regarded as abuse, but are considered unacceptable behaviour for Ashburton Community Centre. These include:

  • Inappropriate conversation of a sexual nature;
  • Coarse language, especially that of a sexual nature;
  • Suggestive gestures or remarks;
  • Jokes of a sexual nature;
  • Inappropriate touching;
  • Inappropriate literature (e.g. PG, M, MA, R or X rated material used with Elderly or Vulnerable Persons);
  • Recording or filming with or without prior consent;
  • Act of violence committed by an Employee, Leader or Volunteer in the course of an activity;
  • Ashburton Community Centre’s Committee of Management will ensure that high standards of conduct are maintained at all times.
  • Each client of Ashburton Community Centre has the right:
  • To full and effective use of his or her personal, civil, legal and consumer rights;
  • To select and maintain social and personal relationships with any other person without fear, criticism or restriction;
  • Freedom of Speech;
  • To have access to services and activities which are available generally in the community;
  • To complain