Child Protection
All children should have the opportunity to participate in child-safe environments and be free to take part in sport and recreation without exposure to the risk of child abuse.
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What is child protection?
Child protection is about keeping children and young people safe from abuse, discrimination and harassment, and protecting them from people who are unsuitable to work with children. This is often a legal requirement, covered by Australian child protection and anti-discrimination laws. It is also an ethical obligation and a very important consideration in meeting 'duty of care' obligations.
How to create child-safe environments
Safe Clubs 4 Kids
- Creating child-safe environments
- Understanding child abuse
- Responsibilities
- Reporting officer/member protection information officer's role
What is child abuse?
In general, child abuse is categorised in four ways:- Sexual abuse.
- Physical abuse.
- Emotional abuse.
- Neglect.
The effects of child abuse on a young person should not be underestimated. With early indentification and appropriate action, children can recover from episodes of abuse and neglect.
More information
Child Protection in Sport - Australian Sports Commission
Child Protection and Sport National Overview - Produced by the Australian Sports Commission - April 2006.
Creating Child Safe Environments
Comprehensive guide to creating child safe environments.
Harassment in sport
Everyone has the right to participate in a sport and recreation environment that is fun, safe and healthy and to be treated with respect, dignity and fairness.
Member protection
The provision of a safe environment and the well being of your club members is integral to the future of sport and recreation.
National Police Clearances
Information regarding National Police Clearances obtained through the WA Police Department.
Volunteer National Police Checks
Information on the National Police Checks for Volunteers Project (NPCVP)operated through the Office for Seniors Interests and Volunteering (OSIV).
Working with Children website
Comprehensive information about the Working with Children legislation.
Position statements
Child protection
Every child has the right to participate in sport and recreation activities without risk to their physical and emotional well-being.
Hosting national championships - national leagues
If it is not appropriate for a national championship to be hosted in WA (e.g. due to lack of a suitable facility) then the NSO should ensure that a program variation format delivering similar benefits is in place. DSR believes that all NSOs should adopt an approach to hosting national championships that enhance the nationwide development of their sport.
Parks and Leisure
Parks and Leisure Australia provides Australian parks and leisure professionals with leadership, advocacy and direction in industry standards, training support and product innovation.
Photographing children
The Department of Sport and Recreation supports initiatives to make sport and recreation safer for children and acknowledges that there is legislation that supports children's rights.
Sport/physical education in schools
The Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) supports physical activity and sport in the school environment because active children are healthier, more attentive, more confident and less likely to be absent from class. Schools are acknowledged as excellent settings for the promotion and delivery of physical activity opportunities.
Volunteers
The Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) values, encourages and supports volunteering in order to secure the future delivery of sport and recreation opportunities for communities throughout Western Australia.
Working with Children Legislation
The Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) seeks to promote, encourage and support strategies to create safe environments for children’s participation in sport and active recreation.
Contact details for Child Protection
Helen Cunningham
Working with Children Project ManagerWA Sports Federation
Telephone (08) 9492 9736 or (08) 9387 8100Mobile 0414 153 564
Email Helen
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