Our commitment
Child protection is a top priority.
NSW Sport and Recreation is committed to ensuring that the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children is maintained at all times. Our aim is to promote a safe environment for all children and to ensure that all participants in our programs are provided with the best possible experience.
How we're creating a safe environment for children
All staff (paid, voluntary, permanent or casual) of NSW Sport and Recreation must sign a declaration to confirm their awareness of the requirements of the new child protection legislation and the Department's own policy.
We are an Approved Screening Agency and conduct background checking for all our program employees in accordance with the requirements of the Working With Children Check.
How can I be sure that staff employed on programs are suitable people to be working with my children?
All staff employed to deliver the Department's programs meet the requirements of the Working With Children Check.
Prior to employment, staff undergo a national criminal record check that focuses on a person's suitability to work with children. Staff must also sign a Prohibited Employment Declaration to indicate they have not been convicted of a serious sex offence. Referee checks are conducted on all program staff.
These checks aim to ensure that only suitable people are employed to work with children.
What do our program staff know about child protection?
All staff employed in child related positions are aware of their responsibilities in relation to child protection. They are aware of the indicators of child abuse, their obligations to report suspected child abuse and neglect and the appropriate procedures to follow. Staff are updated on child protection issues as part of their in-servicing and professional development.
For more information contact our Child Protection Infoline on 1300 366 407.
Useful links
Related sections
Other websites
- NSW Commission for Children and Young People - The CCYP is concerned with children's safety, welfare and wellbeing, and is responsible for administering the Working With Children Check.
- NSW Department of Community Services - Protecting the welfare of children is one of DoCS' most important tasks. If you're concerned for the safety, welfare and wellbeing of a child or young person you can make a report to the DoCS Helpline (phone 132 111).
- NSW Interagency Guidelines for Child Protection Intervention 2006 - These guidelines provide practical guidance for agencies to work together effectively to help children, young people and their families.
- National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect - This volunteer organisation's web site has comprehensive information and resources on preventing child abuse and neglect.
- Department of Family and Community Services - This Federal Government department manages a range of family and community services. They have funded Choose with Care, a child protection education and training program designed to help deter, minimise and remove opportunities for abuse in organisations and programs that work with children.
- NSW Ombudsman - The NSW Ombudsman is now responsible for overseeing and monitoring the handling of child abuse allegations and convictions against employees of certain government and non-government agencies.