CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
AFI’s Child Protection Policy is designed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people involved in AFI activities, programs, services and facilities.
AFI’S COMMITMENTS TO SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
All children and young people, regardless of their gender, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, sexual orientation, or family or social background, have the right to feel safe and be free from any harm or abuse.
AFI is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our care who access AFI activities, programs, services or facilities, by fostering a culturally safe environment where children and young people feel safe and welcome.
As part of AFI’s commitment to safeguarding children and young people, AFI commits to the following:
1. AFI has zero tolerance for child abuse.
2. AFI will seek to provide an environment in which all children and young people feel supported and respected.
3. AFI supports the active participation of children and young people and welcomes the opinions of children, young people and their families to inform the development and update of policies and procedures in relation to matters affecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
4. AFI will engage with children and young people and their parents/carers about safeguarding practices and help empower them to speak up when they see or hear something that makes them feel unsafe. This will be achieved through the provision of relevant information through appropriate resources which are readily available and accessible to children, young people and their parents/carers.
5. In the event a concern or allegation is raised in relation to child abuse or any other inappropriate behaviour towards a child or young person that has occurred while a child or young person is under AFI’s care, AFI will ensure it is treated seriously, in a culturally sensitive manner and fully investigated in accordance with this Policy, any other related policies or procedures and relevant legislation.
6. AFI will actively promote the safety of children and young people throughout the Footy community, whilst recognising the need for local Footy leagues and clubs that are not under the AFI’s direct control to take responsibility for providing a safe physical and online environment for children and young people in their care.
