Child Safe Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct applies to all professional interactions and activities undertaken by Growing Us Play Therapy. It outlines the expectations and responsibilities for maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for children and young people.

Commitments to Child Safety

Growing Us Play Therapy is committed to:

  1. Promoting the safety, wellbeing, and rights of all children and young people.

  2. Ensuring that all interactions are respectful, developmentally appropriate, and prioritise the needs of children.

  3. Providing a safe, supportive environment where children feel valued and protected.

Responsibilities

While providing services, Growing Us Play Therapy will:

  1. Work towards the goals and purposes of therapy in a professional and ethical manner.

  2. Maintain a duty of care to all children and families engaged in therapeutic services.

  3. Establish and uphold a child-safe environment in all settings, whether in the therapy room or at third-party venues (e.g., schools or early learning centres).

  4. Treat all children and their families with respect, fairness, and dignity, regardless of background, ability, or identity.

  5. Act as a positive role model in all interactions.

  6. Respect the privacy of children and their families, only sharing information as required by law or with appropriate consent.

  7. Operate within the policies, procedures, and legal obligations related to child safety.

  8. Report any concerns of harm or risk of harm to the appropriate authorities, including contacting emergency services if a child is at immediate risk.

Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited in interactions with children and young people:

  1. Shaming, humiliating, or belittling children.

  2. Discrimination or favouritism towards any child or group of children.

  3. Engaging in physical or emotional harm.

  4. Initiating unnecessary physical contact or performing personal tasks a child can do independently.

  5. Being alone with a child unnecessarily or for prolonged periods.

  6. Developing inappropriate relationships with children for personal gain or emotional needs.

  7. Providing gifts, special treatment, or undue attention to any child.

  8. Contacting children outside of professional therapeutic settings, including online communication.

  9. Photographing or recording children without appropriate consent from the parent/carer.

  10. Working under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.

  11. Using inappropriate language or discussing mature content in the presence of children.

Breaches of the Code

Any breach of this Code of Conduct will be taken seriously and may result in:

  1. Termination of professional engagement or contracts.

  2. Reporting the incident to relevant authorities, including child protection services or the police.

Acknowledgement

By engaging with Growing Us Play Therapy, clients agree to uphold the principles and practices outlined in this Code of Conduct to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all children.