Children and Other Vulnerable People

The University is committed to providing a safe environment for all members of our community. This community includes children and other vulnerable people who are frequent and welcome users of University spaces and resources.

The Safe Environments for Children and Vulnerable People Policy outlines the obligations that the University and partner organisations must observe to support this aim.

Which groups of people are we talking about?

Under South Australian law a ‘child’ means a person under 18 years of age. A cohort of this group aged 12 to 17 are referred as ‘young ‘people’ in SA government legislation.

Whilst the University does not primarily provide services to children, there are a cohort of younger people under the age of 18 at the commencement of their undergraduate studies. In addition, some University research, teaching and community engagement activities may include interactions with children, young people or other vulnerable people.

Vulnerable people are individuals over 18 who may not be able to protect themselves from harm or exploitation by reason of age, illness, trauma or disability. This includes people of diverse background and cultural experiences.

  • How do I establish an environment that will be safe?

    On campus

    Children and vulnerable people may be on Campus engaging in University approved activities, visiting with University personnel, or attending venues or services available on Campus.ÌýÌý

    The measures you implement to create a safe environment should be proportionate to the frequency and likelihood of interactions with children or vulnerable people.

    A safe environment is one which reduces the potential for accidental, unintended or deliberate harm. The risk of harm will depend on the nature and frequency of the interactions.

    The following resources have been developed to help you assess and establish a safe environments for the children and vulnerable people: Ìý

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    Interactions with children and vulnerable people may also occur in virtual environments and measures to ensure that virtual interactions are also safe should be put in place. Ìý

    The use of the University’s technology, digital platforms and social media must accord with the IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy and Procedures. Any inappropriate interactions should be reported to an area manager. Where there are any suspicions of online child exploitation activity this should be reported to the Australian Federal Police directly or via the website.

    Off campus

    University activities conducted off-site, including overseas, should also be assessed to ensure that any interactions with children or vulnerable people are safe.

  • What is a working with children check and who needs one?

    A working with children check is a clearance provided to an individual by the Central Assessment Unit in the SA Department of Human Services. A clearance is provided following an assessment of the person’s criminal and other history. The Central Assessment Unit issues a unique identifier number to someone with a valid clearance. The University has a legal obligation to ensure that only people with valid checks are working in prescribed positions.

    Prescribed positions

    Refers to a position in which a person is required to work with children as part of their University job description. This included volunteers and contractors or anyone working on special projects where contact with children is required. Anyone who may work directly with children for a period of more than 7 days in total in a 12-month period must have valid check before they commence employment or commence engaging in activities involving children. Refer to the University’s Employment Screening Procedure for further details.

    Prior to commencement all personnel in prescribed positions, or those likely to be in contact with children or other vulnerable people, must have a current clearance confirmed by the Central Screening Unit, South Australian Department of Human Services (a ).Ìý

    VolunteersÌýwho require a DHS working with children check should consult their local volunteer coordinator or contact External Relations.

    Local area heads (Branches / Schools / Institutes), program coordinators, contract managers, hiring managers, student placement co-ordinators and research chief investigators are responsible for ensuring personnel and students in their area have access to appropriateÌýtraining, guidanceÌýor supportÌýregarding children and vulnerable people.

    Personnel in prescribed positions or in other professional roles, such as social workers or psychologists, are under legislation. Mandated notifiers are obliged to report suspicions that a child or young person may be at risk to the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) on 13 14 78 or via the

    Training

    Local Area Heads (Branches / Schools / Institutes), program coordinators, contract managers, hiring managers, volunteers and research chief investigators supervising personnel must ensure that relevant child safety and reporting training is included in a Training Needs Analysis and Training Plan for any personnel with statutory reporting obligations (as set out in Chapter 5 of the ) or as appropriate for the assessed risk. This includes training for mandated notifiers.