Child and Youth Safety

Orienteering Queensland is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and young people who participate in our sport. We demonstrate this commitment by

Implementing the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and associated Child Safe Standards.
Developing a comprehensive Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy to identify and manage risks proactively and foster a safe and supportive environment.
Sharing this Policy with all employees, contractors and volunteers, who are required to adhere to it.

Safe and enjoyable sport and recreation experiences are the right of every child. Keeping children and young people safe is everyone's responsibility.

Related Policies

Our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy is supported by important policies of Orienteering Australia and Orienteering Queensland:

OA Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy (part of the National Integrity Framework). Of particular importance are:
- Prohibited conduct (pp. 8-9)
- Annexure A: Responding to Risk of Abuse and Harm to Children and Young People (p. 10)
- Annexure B: Child/Young Person Safe Practices (pp. 11-15) - mandatory behaviour requirements for anyone working with or around children (= detailed Code of Conduct).
OA Code of Conduct
OA Member Protection Policy
OQ Risk Management Policy

Reporting

Orienteering Queensland takes its child safety responsibilities very seriously. If you have any concerns regarding any aspect of child and youth safety, these are the steps to take:

If a person is in immediate risk or danger, call Police on 000.
If you have reason to suspect a child has been or is at risk of being harmed, call the Qld Government Child Safety Services
and inform Orienteering Australia's National Integrity Manager
You can report any potential breach of the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy to Sport Integrity Australia via the online form
OQ's Member Protection Information Officer and OA's National Integrity Manager are available to offer advice if you suspect a breach of the policy

Fact sheets for Children & Young People

Sport Integrity Australia provides information to assist children and young people in understanding child safety policies in sport:

For 7-12 year olds

For 13-17 year olds

Resources for Coaches, Staff, Volunteers

Essential

All OQ employees and volunteers who work with people under 18 years must complete Sport Integrity Australia's Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction. For coaches, this forms part of your accreditation requirements.
Proof of completion must be emailed to admin@oq.asn.au
Sport Integrity Australia - Child Safe Practices Do's & Dont's
OA Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, notably Annexure B Child/Young Person Safe Practices (pp. 11-15)

Additional Resources

Qld Dept of Education: Positive Behaviour for Learning and trauma-informed support
Qld Government: Cultural Safety
Supporting Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children & Families
Child development: Pre-teens
Understanding Adolescence

Orienteering Queensland supports Play by the Rules, a nationwide initiative to prevent and deal with discrimination, harassment, child safety, inclusion and integrity issues in sport.