Child Safe Code of Conduct

FOR EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS AND CONTRACTORS

Baptist World Aid Australia is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and/or young people participating in Baptist World Aid Australia funded programs (Australian based and/or overseas). We support the Rights of the Child and will act without hesitation to ensure a child safe environment is maintained at all times.

I agree that while working for Baptist World Aid Australia, I will:

• Take action to inform myself on the Rights of the Child and to follow the guidelines as outlined in the Baptist World Aid Australia Child Safe Policy.
• Treat children with respect regardless of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status.
• Not use language or behaviour towards children that is inappropriate, harassing, abusive, sexually provocative, demeaning or culturally inappropriate.
• Ensure that another adult is present when working in the proximity of children (this includes Australian based and overseas activities).
• Not invite unaccompanied children that participate in Baptist World Aid Australia projects into my place of accommodation, unless they are at immediate risk of injury or in physical danger.
• Not sleep close to unsupervised children unless absolutely necessary, in which case I must obtain my supervisor’s permission, and ensure that another adult is present.
• Use computers, mobile phones, or video and digital cameras appropriately, and never to exploit or harass children, or access child pornography through any medium.
• Refrain from physical punishment or discipline of children participating in Baptist World Aid Australia projects.
• Comply with all relevant Australian and local legislation, including labour law in relation to child labour.
• Immediately report concerns or allegations of child abuse in accordance with the Baptist World Aid Australia Child Safe Policy.
• Not knowingly link any Child Partner with a supporter who is known to intend harm to a child.
• Not develop inappropriate relationships with any child who participates in Baptist World Aid Australia’s Child Centred Community Development or Community Development programs. This includes linking with a child through social media.
• Not publish undignified* photos taken of children in Baptist World Aid Australia programs in social media.

Use of Children’s Images for Work Related Purposes

• When photographing or filming a child for work related purposes, I must:
• Before photographing or filming a child, assess and endeavour to comply with local traditions.
• Before photographing or filming a child, obtain the permission of the child and a family member/guardian, and explain how photographs will be used.
• Ensure that photographs, film, videos and DVD present children in a dignified and respectful manner and not in a vulnerable or submissive manner. Children should be adequately clothed and not in poses that could be seen as sexually suggestive.
• Ensure images are an honest representation of the context and the facts.
• Ensure file labels do not reveal identifying information about the child when sending images electronically.

*Undignified:

• Images should be decent and respectful and not present people as victims.
• Images should not depict people in a vulnerable or submissive manner.
• People (especially children) should be adequately clothed in photographs and not in poses that could be interpreted as sexually suggestive.
• Paternalistic images should be avoided, eg: portraying the agency/donors as the ‘providers’.
• Photographs should be used in context and should be a true representation of events.Baptist World Aid Australia is committed to the safety and well being of all children and/or young people accessing our services.  We support the rights of the child and will act without hesitation to ensure a child safe environment is maintained at all times.

Updated August 2011