VOLLEYBALL VICTORIA’S COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY
Volleyball Victoria, in partnership with Volleyball Australia and the other State and Territory Volleyball Organisations, has formally announced its commitment to child safety.
The Volleyball Australia Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy has been adopted by the national and all state and territory bodies and forms a key component of the broader National Integrity Framework.
“This framework establishes a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and neglect in any form, prioritising the well-being of children in volleyball by fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment,” said Andrew Dee, Volleyball Australia CEO.
“Through this commitment, Volleyball Australia along with all the states and territories, are taking a proactive and preventative stance to ensure the safety, participation, and empowerment of all children involved in the sport.”
The Volleyball Victoria Board make this commitment in unity with
Volleyball Australia and our State Affiliates
OUR COMMITMENT
Unwavering Commitment to Child Safety: We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our sport. We address risks through policies and procedures to establish and maintain a stringent child-safe culture both on and off the court.
Inclusive and Respectful Environment: We promote inclusion, respect, and diversity, considering the needs of children and young people from various backgrounds, including those with increased vulnerabilities, and ensuring they can participate safely and confidently in volleyball.
Clear Expectations and Training: Staff and volunteers are well-informed about their roles and expected behaviours concerning child safety, supported by thorough induction, ongoing training, and clear guidelines for child-safe practices.
Engagement and Reporting: We actively involve children, young people, and their families in creating a supportive environment, maintain robust reporting processes for child abuse, and continually improve our policies and practices to safeguard all participants.
Resources
- Where to Report Integrity Concerns - Volleyball Australia Complaints Information & Webform
- Where to Report Integrity Concerns - Sport Integrity Australia Complaints Information & Webform
- Sport Integrity Australia Safeguarding in Sport Information Page
- Children and Young People Safe Practices - Do's & Don'ts guide
Child Safety
Volleyball Victoria Inc (Volleyball Victoria) is committed to ensuring that children and young people who participate in its activities have a safe and happy experience. Volleyball Victoria supports and respects children, young people, staff, volunteers and participants.
CHILD SAFE STANDARDS – Since 1 July 2022, the Victorian Child Safe Standards apply to sporting organisations that operate and provide sporting services to children within Victoria (including National Sporting Organisations). The Standards apply to organisations as a whole, not only the areas that work with children. It takes many components to build an organisation with a culture of child safety. The Standards should act as a starting point from which your organisation can take action.
The eleven (11) Victorian Child Safe Standards are:
- 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
- Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
- Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
- Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
- Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice
- People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice
- Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused
- Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training
- Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed
- Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved
- Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.