Caring for children and young people brings additional responsibilities for all workers at Child and Family Play Therapy. All workers at Child and Family Play Therapy are responsible for promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people by:

· sticking to the Child and Family Play Therapy child safe policy at all times and taking all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and protection of children and young people

· signing a copy of this code of conduct as a condition of working with children as a staff member or employee of Child and Family Play Therapy

· treating everyone (this includes staff, volunteers, students, children, young people and parents) including those of different race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes and religious beliefs with respect and honesty and ensure equity is upheld

· being a positive role model to children and young people in all conduct with them

· setting clear boundaries about appropriate behaviour between yourself and the children and young people at Child and Family Play Therapy – boundaries help everyone to understand their roles

· listening and responding appropriately to the views and concerns of children and young people

· being alert to bullying behaviours and responding promptly and appropriately

· being alert to children and young people who have been harmed, or may be at risk of harm and reporting this quickly to the Child Abuse Report Line (13 14 78)

· responding quickly, fairly and transparently to any complaints made by a child, young person or their parent/guardian

· encouraging children and young people to ‘have a say’ on issues that are important to them.

Workers must not:

· engage in rough physical games

· develop any ‘special’ relationships with children and young people that could be seen as favouritism such as the offering of gifts or special treatment

· do things of a personal nature that a child or young person can do for themselves, such as toileting or changing clothes. If a child requires assistance with these tasks the therapist is required to delegate these tasks to the parent or caregiver attending with them. 

· discriminate against any child or young person because of age, gender, cultural background, religion, vulnerability or sexuality.

Reporting a Breach of the Code of Conduct

If you become aware of somebody breaching this code of conduct you must: 

· Act to prioritise the best interests of children

· Take actions promptly to ensure that children are safe

· Promptly report any concerns to Sarah Harding at the following contact address: hello@cafplaytherapy.com.au

· Comply with legislative requirements on reporting

Consequences of Breaching the Code of Conduct

Breaches of this Code of Conduct may lead to disciplinary action or termination of 

employment with Child and Family Play Therapy. 

If you would like to request a copy of our Child Safety Policy, please email us at hello@cafplaytherapy.com.au