Child Safe Code Of Conduct

Commitment to Child Safety
At Invoke Support Services, we are committed to supporting the safety and wellbeing of all
children, with a zero-tolerance approach to abuse. We are a family-owned organisation that
provides holistic and trauma-informed disability support services under the NDIS, and we
recognise the importance of ensuring children are safe, respected, and empowered.
All staff and volunteers are responsible for promoting the safety, wellbeing and
empowerment of children. This includes understanding and responding to children’s
diverse needs and cultural considerations. Our Child Safe Code of Conduct sets out how we
expect adults in our organisation to behave around children to help prevent harm and
abuse in our physical spaces and online.

Different Types of Child Harm and Abuse
Child abuse can include psychological, physical and sexual abuse, grooming, misconduct and
lack of appropriate care.
• Psychological abuse – bullying, threats, intimidation, shaming, name-calling, ignoring,
isolating, exposure to family violence.
• Physical abuse – hitting, kicking, pushing, shoving, slapping, choking, burns, or any action
causing injury.
• Sexual abuse – sexual touching, grooming, production or distribution of child abuse
material.
• Grooming – building trust with a child (and often their family) for the purpose of future
sexual abuse.
• Misconduct – inappropriate behaviour that may indicate risk, e.g., inappropriate
conversations or showing a child explicit content.
• Lack of appropriate care – failing to provide supervision, nourishment, shelter, clothing,
education or medical care.

Acceptable Behaviours (I will)
• Treat all children with respect and uphold their rights.

• Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children in all decisions.
• Listen to and value the views of children and respond appropriately.
• Promote safe and inclusive practices for children, including those with disabilities.
• Adhere to Invoke Support Services’ child safe policies, procedures and practices.
• Participate in all compulsory child safe training.
• Ensure transparent and safe communication, including involving parents/carers in online
communication.
• Ensure safe transport arrangements and follow organisational protocols.
• Report any concerns, allegations or risks relating to child safety immediately.
• Take disclosures of harm or abuse seriously and follow procedures.
• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of children and their families.

Unacceptable Behaviours (I won’t)
• Engage in or condone unsafe, harmful or abusive behaviour.
• Ignore or fail to report concerns, suspicions or disclosures of abuse.
• Use hurtful, discriminatory, or offensive behaviour or language.
• Engage in unwarranted or inappropriate physical contact.
• Be alone with a child without supervision or risk management.
• Develop secretive or after-hours contact with children.
• Give personal gifts or benefits without approval from parents/carers.
• Use sexual language or gestures in the presence of children.
• Show or share inappropriate images or content with children.
• Take or share images of children without organisational and parental consent.
• Fail to report information to police or relevant authorities if aware of abuse.

Concerning Behaviours
Certain behaviours may not constitute a direct breach but may still indicate risks,
particularly grooming. These include: showing favouritism to one child, babysitting children

without consent, spending excessive time alone with children, crossing professional
boundaries, or preferring the company of children over adults.

Internal and External Reporting Obligations
All staff and volunteers must follow the internal and external reporting obligations outlined
in Invoke Support Services’ Child Safe Policy and Reporting Policy. Concerns or disclosures
of harm must be reported immediately. If unsure, staff should seek guidance from a
manager or the Child Safety Officer.

Criminal Offences for Not Acting to Protect Children
It is a criminal offence not to report to police if you know or believe that a child abuse
offence has been committed. Staff engaged in child-related work may also commit an
offence if they fail to remove or reduce a risk of child abuse. Invoke Support Services
requires all staff and volunteers to comply with these obligations.

Penalties for Breach of Code
Breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including increased
supervision, retraining, reassignment, suspension or termination. Concerning behaviour
patterns may also result in corrective action. Some breaches may require referral to NSW
Police, the Office of the Children’s Guardian, or the Department of Communities and Justice.