The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (the Royal Commission) shone a spotlight on thousands of cases where organisations in Australia failed to protect children in their care from abuse.
Drummoyne Swimming Club prides itself on providing an inclusive family friendly and safe environment for all swimmers. We are a little unusual compared with some other swimming clubs in that we have a high level of parent participation and involvement in club activities and administration. However, no organisation including us, is immune from the risk of nefarious activities.
The Child Safe Standards recommended by the Royal Commission provide a framework for making organisations safer for children. They have been accepted by the NSW government. Based on extensive research and consultation, the Standards provide tangible guidance for organisations to create cultures, adopt strategies and act to put the interests of children first, to keep them safe from harm. Swimming NSW has adopted and is implementing the Child Safe Standards and as a constituent organisation of Swimming NSW we need to comply and demonstrate that we are complying.
So, as a club we’ll be updating our policies and operational practices to ensure we provide a first rate child safe culture with values and practices that guide the attitudes and behaviour of all our volunteers and coaches. The following values will be at the heart of our approach:
- The best interests of children and their protection from harm is paramount.
- Child abuse is not tolerated and must not happen.
- Children’s rights are understood and respected.
- Concerns about child safety raised by children and their parents and carers are acted on.
- Reporting abuse is not obstructed or prevented.
You’ll hear more about this over the season but anyone who is interested in contributing to this activity is welcome to help. If you wish to help out or if you have any questions about it, please feel free to contact Adrian Bell.
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