Child Safety & Vulnerable Persons Policy

Purpose

Panditarama Sydney Meditation Centre (PSMC) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for children and vulnerable persons who participate in or attend our activities. This policy outlines PSMC’s commitment, responsibilities, and procedures to prevent harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

This policy aligns with:

ACNC External Conduct Standards
NSW child protection principles
Best-practice governance for charities and religious institutions

Scope

This policy applies to all:

Monastics
Executive Committee members
Volunteers
Contractors and service providers
Visitors who engage in activities involving children or vulnerable persons

Definitions

Child: A person under 18 years of age.
Vulnerable Person: An individual who may be at increased risk of harm due to age, disability, illness, mental health condition, trauma, language barriers, or social circumstances.
Harm: Any form of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Policy Statement

PSMC has zero tolerance for child abuse or harm to vulnerable persons. We are committed to:

Safeguarding the wellbeing, dignity, and rights of children and vulnerable persons
Creating a safe and inclusive environment grounded in compassion and mindfulness
Preventing abuse through education, supervision, and clear behavioural standards
Responding promptly and appropriately to concerns or allegations

Code of Behaviour

All personnel must:

Treat children and vulnerable persons with respect, dignity, and care
Maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries at all times
Use positive, non-violent, and non-coercive communication
Ensure activities are conducted in open, observable, and safe environments
Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable person where possible
Obtain appropriate consent for participation in activities

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited:

Any form of physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse
Grooming, exploitation, or inappropriate familiarity
Discrimination, humiliation, or intimidation
Unauthorised photography or recording
Private or secretive communications with children

Recruitment, Screening & Training

PSMC will take reasonable steps to ensure suitability of those working with children or vulnerable persons, including:

Role-based screening and background checks where required
Reference checks for relevant roles
Provision of child safety awareness and training
Ongoing supervision and support

Risk Management

PSMC will identify and manage risks through:

Safe program design and supervision ratios
Clear guidelines for activities involving children or vulnerable persons
Monitoring of physical spaces and facilities
Review of incidents and near-misses

Reporting Concerns or Incidents

All concerns, suspicions, or allegations of harm must be reported immediately.

Reports can be made to:

The Child Safety Officer (if appointed)
Volunteer Coordinator
Executive Committee member

If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services must be contacted (000).

PSMC will:

Take all reports seriously
Respond promptly and sensitively
Maintain confidentiality where possible
Cooperate with relevant authorities when required

Confidentiality & Privacy

Information relating to child safety concerns will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis, in accordance with privacy laws and legal obligations.

Breaches of Policy

Breaches of this policy may result in:

Immediate removal from duties
Suspension or termination of volunteering or engagement
Notification to relevant authorities

Revision History

This policy will be reviewed at least every two (2) years, or earlier if required by changes in legislation, ACNC guidance, or organisational circumstances.