We in St John want to make sure that children and young people are kept safe from harm, while they are in our care.
Our strategies in this area are designed to
- educate children and young people on their safety and self-protection
- educate Leaders on our procedures for ensuring the protection of children and young people in our care, and for ensuring their own protection
- inform parents and caregivers on the wider issue of protecting children and young people in the community.
We do this openly and honestly by
- giving parents and caregivers, children and young people information about what we do and what they can expect from us
- making sure that our Leaders are carefully selected, are familiar with and follow our Child and Youth Protection Policy
- letting parents and caregivers, children and young people know how to report their concerns if there is anything they are unhappy about.
We provide protection to Children, Young People AND Leaders by
- observing the correct established ratio of Leaders to children and young people
- ensuring that a single adult is not along with any child for any length of time
- thinking safely, acting safely
- developing a culture of appropriate behaviour
- developing a culture that enables members to challenge inappropriate behaviour.
Risk assessment and management
In all cases where young people are taken off site, leaders complete a Risk Assessment and Management process that documents hazards and puts in place a management plan to minimise any risks from these hazards.
Recruitment process
All our leaders are recruited through standard St John recruitment processes which are irrespective of the role being paid or volunteer. These include an interview, two character references, proof of identity, and an annual consent to disclosure of information from Police.
Safe Leadership procedures and guidelines
Our Leaders are given clear information on both procedures and guidelines for behaviour when it comes to working with young people.
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