All Children have the right to feel safe and protected from all forms of abuse, harm, and neglect. Children have the right to take part in sailing in a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment.

The Child Safeguarding Policy is Australian Sailing’s statement of commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in sailing. The policy ensures that everyone involved in sailing is educated and informed of their responsibilities to protect and look after children. The policy aims that those rights are provided for.

Victoria’s Child Safe Standards

Standard 1 

Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 1

Standard 2

Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 2

Standard 3

Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 3

Standard 4

Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 4

Standard 5

Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 5

Standard 6

People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 6

Standard 7

Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 7

Standard 8

Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 8

Standard 9

Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 9

Standard 10

Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.

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Standard 11

Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 11

In Victoria, any adult who reasonably believes (or should reasonably believe) that a child under 16 is the victim of current or past sexual abuse must report it to the police as soon as possible, unless they have a reasonable excuse.

Further, all adults employed by, or who volunteer for Yarrawonga Yacht Club have a duty to protect children from sexual abuse. Specifically, such a person commits an offence if they:

• Know there is a substantial risk that another adult associated with the organisation will commit a sexual offence against a child under 16 who is under the care, supervision or authority of an organisation; and
• Have the power or responsibility to reduce or remove the risk, but wilfully or negligently fail to do so.

The Department of Justice website has more information about the failure to disclose and failure to protect offences.

Contacts

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 000. Otherwise, to make a report to police, call 131 444.

Otherwise:

• During business hours, call the relevant Child Protection Contact
• After hours, call the Child Protection Emergency Service on 13 12 78