Peace of mind for parents
THE safety of youngsters in the care of Australia’s Jewish youth movements is being promoted and prioritised under a new uniform policy drawn up by the Australasian Zionist Youth Council (AZYC).
THE safety of youngsters in the care of Australia’s Jewish youth movements is being promoted and prioritised under a new uniform policy drawn up by the Australasian Zionist Youth Council (AZYC).
The Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy covers the protection of youth from child abuse, neglect and physical injury, outlining procedures which the AZYC hopes will legally insulate the movements while giving parents peace of mind.
“The AZYC and the youth movements we represent take seriously our responsibility to create an environment that is caring and safe, primarily because we recognise such an environment is essential for educating, empowering and impassioning Jewish youth,” said AZYC chairperson Reuben Bolaffi.
“Moreover, we are committed to safeguarding children and to ensuring that all young people who attend our activities, camps and seminars are protected from harm,” he added.
Presented to the Australian Childhood Foundation, the 55-page document applies to any participant or leader at Habonim Dror, Netzer, Hineni, Hashomer Hatzair, Bnei Akiva and Betar.
The policy has a nationwide child-abuse report and allegation scheme to ensure all allegations and reports are taken seriously and dealt with in a consistent and appropriate manner. It also includes a position on adhering to role boundaries, outside contact, electronic communication, use of language, sexual misconduct and other circumstances, with many leaders having already begun the new online training in the safety and harm-prevention program.
“We take the safety of the children in our care very seriously, and have put in place guidelines to improve protection from child abuse, and in the event of an incident ensure a timely and targeted response,” explained Bolaffi.
He encouraged parents to take an active role in their child’s movement involvement.
“As part of this policy, we invite parents to be vigilant; talk to your child, hear what they say, make your own observations, and if you have concerns, [then] bring them to the movement, or other places you may feel appropriate. Please speak up if you are concerned,” he said.
Three years in the making, the policy is the first step towards the AZYC’s accreditation as a Safeguarding Children Organisation.
LIVIA ALBECK-RIPKA
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