Working with Children and Young People Policy
Introduction
At Soundful Experience, we are committed to safeguarding the safety, well-being, and personal development of children and young people. Recognising their unique needs and vulnerabilities, we ensure that our practices adhere to Australian legal and ethical standards, creating a safe and supportive environment that respects and nurtures younger clients.
Objective
The primary purpose of this policy is to safeguard children and young people participating in our Soundful Experience sessions, ensuring their physical, emotional, and psychological safety while providing therapeutic experiences tailored to their developmental needs.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers, and students working with children and young people within Soundful Experience..
Guidelines and Precautions
Background Checks
All staff and volunteers working with children must possess a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) or its equivalent, as required by Australian state and territory laws.
WWCC records must be kept current and updated regularly to ensure compliance.
Training
All individuals working with children must complete mandatory training in:
Child safeguarding and protection practices.
Trauma-informed care tailored to children and young people.
Recognising and responding to signs of abuse or neglect.
Ethical considerations and responsibilities when working with minors.
Parental/Guardian Consent
Written parental or guardian consent is required for all clients under 18 years of age.
Consent forms must clearly outline the session’s objectives, processes, and any potential risks, ensuring that guardians are fully informed before granting approval.
One-to-One Sessions
One-to-one sessions must take place in spaces that are open and visible, such as rooms with windows or areas easily accessible to parents, guardians, or staff.
A parent, guardian, or staff member must be present or nearby during the session.
Physical Contact
Physical contact is strictly limited to what is necessary for therapeutic purposes, such as guiding breathing techniques or instrument use, and must always be appropriate and consensual.
Any physical contact must be explained beforehand and documented.
Confidentiality
Personal information and session details will be handled in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and relevant state-based privacy legislation.
Confidentiality will only be breached if there are mandatory reporting requirements due to concerns about a child’s safety or welfare.
Environment
The therapy environment will be clean, safe, and age-appropriate, with all hazards removed.
Instruments and equipment will be suitable for children, regularly inspected, and maintained.
Reporting Concerns
Any concerns about a child’s safety or well-being must be reported to the Child Protection Authority in the relevant Australian state or territory.
Staff must follow mandatory reporting obligations under Australian child protection laws, ensuring all concerns are documented and acted upon immediately.
Feedback
Feedback from children and their parents or guardians will be actively sought to assess the effectiveness and suitability of sessions.
This feedback will inform future practices and ensure the therapeutic approach is client-centred and responsive to individual needs.
Review and Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed annually by the designated safeguarding officer and management team to ensure compliance with Australian child protection legislation. Monitoring will include regular audits of staff training, session practices, and client feedback.
Contact Information
For queries, concerns, or further information about this policy, please contact:
Sam Cutri
M: 0412 689 767
E: info@soundfulexperience.com
