Child Safety and Safeguarding
Child Safe Scouting
The safety and wellbeing of the children, and people at risk, in our care is our number one concern and priority. As a thriving, modern organisation, we strive to be vigilant in identifying and eradicating child abuse and safeguarding for all people at risk.
Our policy is to report any allegation of abuse to NT Police, child protection and other relevant authorities. Any Adult Leader, Volunteer or Employee involved with such allegations will be immediately stood down pending further investigation, in line with our Child Protection Policy.
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Child Protection and Safeguarding requirement for Adults in Scouts NT
Adults applying to join Scouts NT in any capacity are required to satisfy the requirements of a Working with Children Check and a Police and Character Check and participate in a suitability interview.
All potential Adult Leaders, Volunteers and Employees are required to undertake a mandatory Police check prior to commencing activities with any section of Scouts NT. Approved Adult Leaders, Volunteers, and Employees receive comprehensive ongoing training in dealing with children.
All Adult Leaders, Volunteers, and Employees must sign a document under which they agree to abide by a Code of Conduct, which incorporates important child protection and safeguarding principles. All Adult Leaders, Volunteers and Employees must also complete mandatory Scouts training relating to Child Protection and Safeguarding prior to commencing in their role at Scouts NT.
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Reporting Abuse in Scouting
Scouts NT requires application of the reporting requirements contained in the Scouts Australia Child Protection Policy to incidents involving any vulnerable person.
In the Northern Territory, all persons over the age of 18 are mandatory reporters. As per Northern Territory legislation, any concerns or allegations of abuse against any person must be reported to Territory Families on 1800 700 250 or via CARE Services.
It is mandatory for Adults in Scouting to report concerns or allegations of abuse against any person. All instances or concerns must be reported immediately by phone to the Chief Commissioner of Scouts NT on 0438 820 667 and then supported by completion of an incident report.
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Safety
Scouting caters for the medical, physical and dietary requirements of Scouts by obtaining all necessary health information for members.
Scouts Australia has a National Safe Practice Policy as well as a National Risk Management System which has been developed in conjunction in accordance with AS/NZS 4360-2004.
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Resources
Scouts NT Safeguarding Policy
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