WARA is actioning the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

The WA Rogaining Association (WARA) has created a subcommittee tasked with implementation of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. WARA is committed to safety of all its members and our approach to keeping children and young people safe is an extension of that.

So far, the subcommittee has completed a self-assessment of WARA's existing child safe practices, attended workshops, and met with relevant people within the Department of Communities' Child Protection Unit, the Department of Local Government Sport and Culture and SportWest to understand, navigate and start to action the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Since then, volunteer roles requiring a Working With Children (WWC) Check have been identified, relevant information and templates have been sought including from Rogaine Associations in other states. At this stage the First Aider and Training Officer are the only WARA roles requiring a WWC check.

To set clear expectations for its members, WARA is preparing "Guidelines for Interacting with Children" (link below). Everyone needs to become aware of and follow these guidelines. The subcommittee would appreciate member's comments on the draft "Guidelines for Interacting with Children" by 30 November.

WWC_Interacting_With_Children_Guidelines_WARA_v2024-10-14.pdf

Our next steps include updating existing WARA policy to include child safe practices, finalising the "Guidelines for Interacting with Children" and communicating and offering training re the updated information to WARA members. Also needed is a user-friendly process to ensure volunteers who require a WWC are supported by WARA, and their details are managed according to WWC requirements.

If there are any WARA members who have implemented child safe practices in another organisation, or you would like to have input or clarification about child safety please contact us.
Alison Lang This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Andre Morkel This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Chris Ryan This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Why a Child Safe Organisation?
Child abuse statistics are confronting. Check out the background and information within the "National Principles for Child-Safe Organisations - A Self- Assessment & Action".

Every child has the right to always feel and be safe. Keeping children and young people safe is a collective responsibility – everyone needs to play a part. It is not only essential for WARA to do everything it can to create and maintain safe environments for children and young people, but also vital that everyone involved is aware what to do if they suspect a child or young person is at risk of harm, or a child or young person discloses that they have been harmed.

WARA is taking this opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children and young people by more fully addressing this aspect of safety of our association.