Child Protection Policy
Nefesh Synagogue is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all. The safety, protection, and well-being of all children is of fundamental importance.
Policy Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. External Policies
- 3. Policy Review
- 4. Obligations
- 5. Selection & Screening
- 7. A Safe Environment
- 8. Disciplining Children
- 9. Reporting Procedures
- 10. Alcohol & Drugs
1. Introduction
1.1 Policy Statement
Nefesh Synagogue is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all its Members and Leaders. In particular, the safety, protection and well-being of all children is of fundamental importance to the Synagogue. The purpose of this Policy is to summarise the obligations imposed by child protection legislation on Nefesh Synagogue and its Leaders and to provide guidelines as to how Nefesh Synagogue will deal with certain matters.
1.2 Scope
This Policy applies to all Ministries authorised by or under the control of the Synagogue and all Leaders within the Synagogue or engaged by the Synagogue.
1.4 Definitions
Key terms used throughout this policy include:
- Child: Any person under the age of 18.
- Leader: Any person (paid or unpaid) over the age of 16 who is responsible for the control and safety of members placed in their care whilst holding a formal position in a recognised Ministry of the Synagogue.
- Abuse: Has the meaning given in section 9 of this policy.
(A full list of definitions is available in the complete policy document.)
2. External Policies
We acknowledge that some Ministries in the Synagogue might have external affiliation with other organisations. These organisations will possibly have their own policies. This Policy is not intended to replace or conflict with other policies, but instead to operate in conjunction with them.
3. Policy Review
This Policy will be reviewed regularly and might be amended from time to time to take into account amendments to legislation and regulations. Any proposed changes will be submitted to the Board of Nefesh Synagogue for approval before being implemented.
4. Obligations
Our obligations are guided by spiritual, legal, and ethical principles to ensure the highest standard of care and protection.
- Spiritual: Our core beliefs require us to treat all people with love and dignity and to care for those in need of nurture and protection.
- Legal: We adhere to all obligations under NSW child protection legislation, including the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, the Ombudsman Act 1974, and the Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012.
- Ethical: We maintain high standards of conduct, prohibiting any inappropriate behaviour, language, or actions by Leaders.
5. Selection & Screening
Leaders involved in Nefesh Youth Services must be carefully selected and screened. Prior to Leaders commencing Child-related Ministries, a comprehensive process is undertaken, including application forms, referee checks, interviews, and a mandatory Working with Children Check.
6. Training
All Leaders are issued with a copy of this Policy and receive training in its content and application, including reporting procedures and associated legal requirements.