Please note that this Code is to be read in conjunction with Hobart Toy Library’s Child Safety Policy and Statement of Commitment.
If you believe a child is at immediate risk of abuse phone 000 and call Strong Families Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line on 1800 000 123. Otherwise, please follow our Child Safety Policy and Statement of Commitment section ‘Process for Raising Concerns’.
All staff, volunteers, committee members and members of our organisation are required to observe child safe principles and expectations for appropriate behaviour towards and in the company of children, as noted below.
All staff, volunteers, committee members and members are responsible for supporting the safety, participation, wellbeing and empowerment of children by:
always adhering to our Child Safety Policy and Statement of Commitment at all times
taking all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse
treating everyone with respect
listening and responding to the views and concerns of children, particularly if they are telling you that they or another child has been abused and/or are worried about their safety or the safety of another
promoting the cultural safety, participation, and empowerment of Aboriginal children and children with culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds
promoting the safety, participation, and empowerment of children with a disability or diverse needs
ensuring that adults are not left alone with a child and at least two adults are present whenever the toy library is open or when children are involved in activities
supporting children to express their culture and enjoy their cultural rights
reporting any allegations of child abuse to our Child Safety Officer and ensuring any allegation is reported to the police and/or the relevant Tasmanian child protection authority (Child Safety Services) - see our Child Safety Policy for further guidance on how to report
reporting any child safety concerns to our Child Safety Officer or the President, or a Committee Member and completing the relevant Incident Report
if an allegation of child abuse is made, ensure as quickly as possible that the child(ren) are safe and seek relevant medical treatment if necessary
Staff, volunteers and members must not:
develop any ‘special’ relationships with children that could be seen as favouritism or inappropriate (for example, the offering of gifts or special treatment for specific children)
exhibit behaviours with children which may be construed as unnecessarily physical (for example sitting on laps, hugging). Brief, age-appropriate physical contact (e.g. helping a child with a toy, reading to a small child in an open space) may be acceptable when consistent with organisational practice
put children at risk of abuse (for example, by locking doors or leaving children alone with another adult)
engage in open discussions of a mature or adult nature in the presence of children (for example, personal social activities)
use inappropriate or racist language
express personal views that are demeaning or disrespectful towards a child, family, culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or disability
discriminate against any child, including because of culture, race, ethnicity or disability • have any online contact with a child or their family (unless necessary, for example providing families with e- newsletters or responding to library-related queries)
ignore or disregard any suspected or disclosed child abuse.
By observing these standards you acknowledge your responsibility to immediately report any breach of this Code or any concerns relating to this Code to Hobart Toy Library’s Committee at hobarttoylibrary@gmail.com.