About Us

Child Protection

1. Child Protection Policy Statement

and Labrador Youth in Chorus Inc. (Shallaway) is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in the choir’s activities.   It is the duty of all faculty, staff, chaperones and any other volunteers to provide a safe environment and experience, where the welfare of the child or young person is paramount.

This policy will be reviewed annually.

2. Code of Behaviour for Staff

It is important that our behaviour reflects our commitment to a safe environment for all participants.   To this end, the Shallaway’s Code of Behaviour for Staff can be categorized under the following headings:

  • Child-centred approach
  • Good practice 
  • Inappropriate behaviour 
  • Health and safety
Child-Centred approach

a. Treat all children and young people equally.

b. Listen to and respect children and young people.

c. Involve children and young people in decision-making, as is appropriate.

d. Provide encouragement, support and praise regardless of ability.

e. Use appropriate language, both physical and verbal.

f.  Have fun and encourage a positive atmosphere.

g.  Offer constructive criticism when needed.

h.  Treat all children and young people as individuals.

i.   Respect a child’s or young person’s personal space.

j.   Discuss boundaries on behaviour and related sanctions, as appropriate, with children and young people and their parents/guardians.

k.   Encourage feedback from the group.

l.    Use age-appropriate teaching aids and materials.

m.  Lead by example.

n.   Create an atmosphere of trust.

o.   Respect differences of ability, culture, religion, race and sexual orientation.

Good practice

a. Be aware of the Child Protection Policy.

b. Be aware of emergency procedures and their implementation.

c. Be inclusive of children and young people with special needs.

d. Plan and be sufficiently prepared, both mentally and physically.

e. Encourage children and young people to report any bullying, concerns or worries.

f. Observe an appropriate dress code.

g. Observe appropriate language and behaviour.

h. Evaluate work practices on a regular basis.

i. Report and record any incidents and accidents.

j. Keep parents/guardians informed of any issues that concern their children.

k. Do not be passive in relation to concerns (i.e. Do not “do nothing”).

l. Do not let a problem get out of control.

m. Provide honest feedback to parents regarding their children’s ability, development, behaviour, etc.

Inappropriate behaviour

a. Neither use nor allow the use of offensive or sexually suggestive physical and/or verbal language.

b. Maintain awareness around language and comments made.  

c. Do not hit or physically chastise children or young people.

Health and safety

a. Manage any dangerous materials.

b. Provide a safe environment.

c. Be aware of accident procedure and follow accordingly.

d. Carry or have direct access to a first aid kit.

e. Carry or have access to a list of physical and special needs of children or young people.

3. Code of Behaviour for Shallaway Choristers

Shallaway is a team.   As a member of the team, I must vie my best.   To do this:

I must:

  • Attend all rehearsals and performances.
  • Behave in an appropriate manner with those around me.

I will:

  • Respect all those around me.
  • Behave in an appropriate manner with those around me.
  • Be positive.
  • Be obedient.
  • Be patient.
  • Be kind.
  • Be helpful and supportive.

I understand:

  • Disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated.
  • Inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.
  • Negative behaviour will not be accepted.
  • Disobedient behaviour will not be accepted.
  • Impatient behaviour will not be accepted.
  • Unkind behaviour will not be accepted.
  • Unhelpful and unsupportive behaviour will not be accepted.

I agree to abide by the Shallaway Code of Conduct.

I accept that I will lose my place in the Choir if I fail to abide by the Shallaway Code of Conduct.

4. Confidentiality Statement

Shallaway is committed to protecting the privacy rights of participants and families regarding all matters except those for which there is a statutory obligation to report (e.g. child abuse or neglect).   In this respect:

a. Primary caregivers, children and young people have a right to know if personal information is being shared and/or a report is being made, unless doing so could put the child or young person at further risk.

b. Procedures will be put in place in relation to the use of images of children or young people.

c. Procedures will also be put in place for the recording and storing of information in line with our privacy policy.

5. Recruitment and Selection of Staff

Shallaway will ensure that staff are carefully selected, trained and supervised, as is appropriate to their positions and responsibilities, in order to provide a safe environment for all children and young people.

All staff will be required to consent to criminal clearance by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

6. Involvement of Parents/Guardians

Shallaway is committed to being open with all parents/guardians.   We undertake to:

  • Advise parents/guardians of our Child Protection Policy.
  • Inform parents/guardians of all activities and potential activities.
  • Issue contact/consent forms where relevant.
  • Operate child-centred policies in accordance with best practice.
  • Ensure that the activities are age-appropriate.
  • Encourage and facilitate the involvement of parent(s) or responsible adult(s) where appropriate.

 

7. Allegations of Abuse by Staff

Shallaway commits that upon any allegations of abuse by staff members, the organization will comply with statutory obligations to report.

8. Complaints and Comments

Shallaway is committed to the highest standards in all aspects of its operations.   We encourage feedback from children, young people, parents/guardians and interested parties.

In the event of complaints or comments:

a. A written record will be kept of all complaints received.

b. Complaints or comments will be responded to within one week.

c. The Executive Director has the responsibility for directing complaints/comments to the appropriate person.

d. Verbal complaints will be logged and responded to, as appropriate.

9. Incidents and Accidents

Shallaway is committed to the safety of all those who are in our care and with whom we work.   To this end:

a. Shallaway shall maintain an up to date register of the contact details of all children or young people involved with the organization.

b. A permanent record will be kept to record any incidents or accidents.

c. External organizations with whom Shallaway has dealings will, where relevant, provide proof that they have public liability insurance.

d. Children and young people will be advised of risks of dangerous material.

e. Details of risky equipments will be recorded and steps taken to minimize risk.

10. Implementation and Assessment

Shallaway will endeavour to implement all aspects of these policies and procedures during the calendar year 2008.

We aim to:

a. Ensure that all staff, both paid and voluntary, parents/guardians and children or young people are aware that the policy is in place and provide access to relevant documentation.

b. Implement the policy, ensuring that resources are in place for such implementation.

c. Ensure that all staff involved with Shallaway receive adequate instruction and training in the care of children or young people, as is appropriate to their duties and responsibilities.

A full assessment of the policy in operation is to be completed by the end of January 2009 with the following aims:

a. Evaluate the effectiveness of implementation of the policy.

b. Evaluate the appropriateness of all aspects of the policy to the workings of Shallaway.

c. Amend the policy as necessary and/or appropriate.

d. Implement changes in policy.