Child Safe Policy

GRANN Child Safe Policy
Effective November 2025
Reviewed annually

 

  1. Purpose

This policy outlines how GRANN creates, maintains, and continuously strengthens child safe environments in line with:

  • Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld)
  • 10 National Child Safe Standards
  • Universal Principle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s cultural safety
  • Queensland Blue Card requirements

The policy guides all GRANN staff, volunteers, contractors, collaborators, and community partners.

 

  1. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • all GRANN activities, online and in-person
  • staff, volunteers, board members, and contractors
  • anyone representing GRANN in community settings
  • any program, event, or service where children may be present or engaged, intentionally or incidentally

 

  1. Our Child Safe Commitments

GRANN commits to:

  • upholding the rights, dignity, and safety of all children
  • using trauma-aware, neuro-affirming, and culturally responsive practice
  • ensuring children are listened to, believed, and respected
  • fostering environments where Autistic, Neurodivergent, Disabled, Queer, culturally diverse, and First Nations children feel safe and included
  • embedding child safety into organisational culture, not just compliance structures

 

  1. Cultural Safety & the Universal Principle

GRANN recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s right to:

  • cultural identity
  • connection to Country, family, and community
  • culturally responsive care and representation
  • environments that are free from racism, bias, and harm

We commit to:

  • co-design with First Nations communities wherever possible
  • culturally safe communication and decision-making
  • ongoing staff education on cultural safety

 

  1. Roles & Responsibilities

Board

  • Ensures compliance with the Child Safe Organisations Act
  • Reviews policy and reports annually
  • Allocates resources for child safety

Staff & Volunteers

  • Follow the Child Safe Standards and this policy
  • Complete induction and ongoing training
  • Observe, record, and report concerns appropriately

Child Safety Lead

  • Coordinates GRANN’s child safety implementation
  • Oversees self-assessments and continuous improvement
  • Supports staff and volunteers with reporting processes

 

  1. Code of Conduct (Summary)

All adults representing GRANN must:

  • act respectfully and without discrimination
  • maintain clear, safe, and age-appropriate boundaries
  • practice consent and explain processes in accessible ways
  • avoid isolation with a child where possible
  • ensure all online interactions follow safe communication guidelines
  • never use physical punishment, intimidation, degrading language, or applied behavioural management strategies
  • never engage in grooming or behaviour that may be perceived as grooming

A full Code of Conduct is available upon request.

 

  1. Safe Recruitment & Screening

GRANN follows QLD legislative requirements including:

  • Blue Card screening and linking
  • role-based risk assessments
  • reference checks
  • suitability interviews for volunteer roles

No person with a suspended or negative Blue Card status may work or volunteer with GRANN.

 

  1. Participation & Voice of Children

GRANN ensures children can:

  • share their feedback, preferences, or concerns
  • participate in shaping programs where relevant
  • have their communication needs accommodated (AAC, sensory supports, plain language, etc.)
  • have a trusted adult or support person present

 

  1. Managing Risks & Safe Environments

GRANN uses a Child Safety Risk Management Plan to address:

  • online and digital safety
  • physical environments
  • accessibility and sensory needs
  • cultural safety
  • supervision expectations
  • transport and event-based risk

This plan is reviewed yearly or after any incident.

 

  1. Responding to Concerns or Harm

All concerns, disclosures, or observations involving a child’s safety must be responded to immediately.

GRANN will:

  • prioritise the child’s safety and wellbeing
  • listen respectfully and without judgement
  • follow QLD mandatory and organisational reporting pathways
  • notify relevant agencies if required
  • document concerns factually and securely
  • ensure confidentiality while respecting legal obligations

We do not investigate allegations internally beyond establishing immediate safety and reporting requirements.

 

  1. Complaints & Feedback

Children, families, and community members may raise concerns through:

  • email
  • phone
  • website form
  • in-person conversations
  • anonymous feedback
  • accessible communication formats

GRANN commits to safe, child-friendly, timely, and transparent responses.

 

  1. Training & Capacity Building

All GRANN staff and volunteers will receive:

  • induction training on child safety
  • ongoing refreshers
  • education on neuro-affirming practice, trauma-aware practice, and cultural safety
  • updates regarding changes to legislation

 

  1. Privacy, Records & Information Management

Child safety information is:

  • kept confidential
  • stored securely
  • only shared with authorised agencies
  • retained according to legal requirements

GRANN complies with QLD privacy laws and national standards.

 

  1. Continuous Improvement

GRANN commits to:

  • annual review of this policy
  • using the QFCC Self-Assessment Tool
  • updating practices based on feedback
  • co-design with community where possible

 

  1. Policy Review

Next Review: October 2026
Approved by: GRANN Leadership / Board Members
Applies to: All GRANN activities and representatives

 

Authorisation

Bee Austin

Bee Austin
12 November 2025
Gladstone Region Autistic & Neurodivergent Network Inc. (GRANN)