Youth Protection
Child protection legislation applies to any child or young person under the age of 18 years, at school, TAFE or a University student. They have a right to feel safe and be safe. Rotarians have an obligation to comply with the legislation which protects these people.
Any report or complaint from a child or young person is to be reported immediately to the Club President who has a responsibility to refer it to the District Youth Protection Officer and the District Governor.
For further information, contact the District Youth Protection Officer on youthprotection@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Clubs need a Youth Protection Policy
All Rotarians who work with children are required to have a Working With Children (WWC) number.
Each Rotary Club needs a written Youth Protection Policy, which includes a policy on what to do if there was an incident during any Youth Related Activity.
The Office of the Children’s Guardian, who are responsible for oversighting this important practice will now conduct a random audit of those organisations which have child related activities, including Rotary Clubs and Rotary Districts that run District events such as Youth Exchange, RYLA, RYPEN, MUNA and any similar event where the Club/District has control over a child related activity.
The Office of the Children’s Guardian has increased the fine for non-compliance from $10,000 to $22,000. Many clubs do not currently have a specific policy in place that could be considered adequate under the New South Wales Legislation. State Legislation must be followed before any Rotary procedures come into play.
An updated sample Club Youth Protection Policy is in development and will be uploaded soon. Please contact youthprotection@rotarydistrict9685.org.au if you have queries or urgently require support.