Code of Conduct Policy

1. Introduction and Values

The Learning for Life Autism Centre Inc. (Learning for Life) is committed to creating an environment that:

a. respects the rights of the child and acknowledges the vulnerability of Aboriginal children, children from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, children with a disability and children at socioeconomic disadvantage;

b. values diversity, expects inclusion and has zero tolerance for discrimination;

c. is committed to the safety and wellbeing of:

• each child involved with Learning for Life; and
• all Learning for Life employees, contractors, board members, volunteers, students on placement and the parents, guardians and other family members of children directly involved with a Learning for Life program;

Learning for Life is committed to promoting and protecting the interests and safety of children and has zero tolerance for child abuse. Development of a code of conduct is a key part of Learning for Life's commitment to meeting the Victorian Child Safe Standards and protecting all vulnerable people from violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation or discrimination.

2. Purpose

This policy provides guidelines to enable Learning for Life to:

a. establish the expected standards of behaviour for all Learning for Life board members, employees, contractors, volunteers, students on placement and the parents/guardians of children directly involved with a Learning for Life program;

b. create and maintain a child safe environment that reflects the mission, beliefs, objectives and values of Learning for Life in addition to supporting Learning for Life's Child Safe Policy;

c. promote desirable and appropriate behaviour which is free from violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, harassment or discrimination;

d. promote interactions within and at Learning for Life which are respectful, honest, courteous, sensitive, tactful and considerate.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all Learning for Life board members, employees, contractors, volunteers, students on placement and all parents or guardians of the children directly involved in a Learning for Life program.

4. Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Board of Learning for Life to ensure a Code of Conduct is developed and agreed for Learning for Life. Creation of the Code of Conduct should involve consultation with relevant parties to which the Code of Conduct is to apply.

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The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for ensuring all Learning for Life staff, board members, volunteers, students on placement, contractors and parents/guardians of children directly involved with Learning for Life programs are aware of the Code of Conduct and formally acknowledge their responsibilities under it.

Each board member, staff member, volunteer, student on placement, contractor and parents/guardians of children directly involved with Learning for Life programs are responsible for reading the Code of Conduct, formally acknowledging their responsibilities under it and abiding by it.

5. Definitions

Authorised Person means a person over the age of 18 years who is either the parent, legal guardian or other adult authorised (in writing) by a parent or legal guardian to take responsibility for the child and, in the event a parent or legal guardian cannot be contacted, act as an emergency contact for the child. Learning for Life will maintain a register of all Authorised Persons for each child involved in its services.

Child means a person below the age of 18 years unless, the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.

Child Abuse means all forms of physical abuse, emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse and other exploitation, neglect or negligent treatment, commercial (eg. for financial gain) or other exploitation of a child. Child Abuse covers any actions that results in actual or potential harm to a child including where a child witnesses family violence or where a child is subjected to bullying or racial, cultural or religious abuse. Refer to the Child Safe Policy for additional information about different forms of child abuse.

Child Safe Policy means the Learning for Life policy implemented for the purpose of ensuring a safe environment for all children involved in a Learning for Life program and to promote an organisational culture of child safety.

Child Safe Risk Management Plan means the plan agreed between a child's parents/guardians and Learning for Life that sets out the strategies to provide for a child safe environment for home therapy and mitigants in place for when an Authorised Person is not present during the consultation.

Child Safe Standards are the compulsory minimum standards for all organisations that provide services to children. The aim of the standards is to ensure organisations are well prepared to protect children from abuse and neglect.

Code of Conduct means the Learning for Life's Code of Conduct set out in the attachments to this policy as relevant to either staff, board members, volunteers, contractors, students on placement or parents/guardians of children directly involved in a Learning for Life program.

Learning for Life means The Learning for Life Autism Centre Inc ABN 47 260 122 955

Vulnerable Person means anyone above the age of 18 who might not be able to look after themselves or protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

6. Attachments:

a. Code of Conduct for Board Members of Learning for Life
b. Code of Conduct for Employees, Contractors, Volunteers involved in therapy provision and Students on Placement of Learning for Life

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c. Code of Conduct for Volunteers (other than Board Members or Volunteers involved in therapy provision)
d. Code of Conduct for Parents/Guardians