2026 CHILD SAFETY DECLARATION
Child safety and wellbeing is a key priority of Glen Iris Junior Football Club. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all children and young people participating in Australian Rules Football.
To support this commitment, the Club works to implement the Victorian Child Safe Standards through our Child Safety Commitment Statement, Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy, Code of Conduct, Complaints and Reporting Procedure, and other related policies.
These policies and procedures help guide our Club in meeting child safety requirements and ensuring that we:
ESTABLISH a culturally safe environment where the diverse identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected.
EMBED child safety and wellbeing into organisational leadership, governance and culture.
EMPOWER children and young people to understand their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and be taken seriously.
INFORM and engage families in respect to child safety and wellbeing.
ENSURE equity and diversity is upheld through our policies and practices.
ENGAGE volunteers and officials who are suitable to work with children and young people.
RESPOND to complaints and concerns promptly, thoroughly and with a child-focused approach.
EDUCATE staff, game day personnel and volunteers so they understand how to create a safe and welcoming environment for children and young people.
UNDERSTAND and mitigate risks to children and young people in physical and online environments.
REVIEW and improve our child safe policies, procedures and practices regularly.
ROLE MODEL behaviour and actions that reflect a safe, respectful and supportive Club environment.
GIJFC has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse or harm. The Club will act quickly and in the best interests of the child or young person should an allegation of harm or abuse occur.
OUR CLUB WILL COMMIT TO:
- Discussing and signing this declaration as a committee to formally endorse our commitment.
- Promoting this declaration and our commitment to child safety through Club communications, including noticeboards, social media, email and newsletters.
- Appointing a Child Safeguarding Officer and promoting their details to families, members and volunteers.
OUR CLUB WILL IMPLEMENT THIS BY:
- Regularly discussing the Child Safe Standards at Club meetings.
- Embedding a culture of child safety throughout the Club.
- Encouraging children, young people and families to have a voice.
- Providing education through awareness workshops and safeguarding resources.
- Regularly reviewing safeguarding policies and procedures with the Club committee.
