Child Safety Policy (AU)

Last Updated: December 2025
Approved by: The Transformation Network Ltd (Australia) Board

1. Purpose

The Transformation Network Ltd (“TTN”, “we”, “our”) is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and flourishing of every child and young person who participates in our programs.
As a Christian organisation, we believe every child is created in the image of God, deeply valued, and deserving of love, protection, and dignity.

This policy outlines how TTN ensures that all students in our online learning environments, including KTA+ Premium Programs, are safe, supported, and protected.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All TTN Australia staff, educators, mentors, volunteers, contractors

• All KTA+ Premium Programs delivered by TTN Australia

• All TTN-hosted online learning environments

• All communication channels involving TTN staff or students

• All parents, guardians, and participating children

This policy does not apply to non-premium offerings delivered by The Transformation Network LLC (USA).

3. Our Commitment to Child Safety

TTN is committed to:

• Creating safe, positive, Christ-centred learning environments

• Preventing child abuse and harm in all forms

• Promoting children’s rights, inclusion, agency, and dignity

• Ensuring all staff complete child-safety training

• Responding promptly and appropriately to concerns

• Complying with Australian child safety and mandatory reporting laws

• Maintaining transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement
  
  

4. Guiding Principles

Our Child Safety Policy is grounded in:

4.1 Christian Values

We uphold Christlike behaviour, compassion, responsibility, integrity, and justice in all interactions.

4.2 Australian Child Safe Standards

We meet all national and state requirements for child safety.

4.3 Online Safety Best Practice

We use secure online tools, monitor sessions, and uphold strict communication guidelines.

4.4 Zero Tolerance for Abuse, Harm, or Misconduct

All allegations or concerns are taken seriously and acted on immediately.

5. Definitions

Child/Student

Any person under 18 years engaged in a TTN program or platform.

Child Abuse includes:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Sexual abuse or grooming

• Neglect

• Exposure to domestic violence

• Online exploitation or unsafe interactions

• Spiritual abuse (coercion, manipulation, misuse of authority)

Child Safety Concern

Any behaviour or situation that places a child at risk of harm—online or offline.

6. Roles & Responsibilities

6.1 TTN Board

• Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

• Oversees policy implementation and review
  
  

6.2 Executive Leadership

• Ensures child safety systems are in place

• Leads serious incident response and mandatory reporting
  
  

6.3 Teachers, Mentors & Staff

Must:

• Maintain current Working with Children Check (WWCC)

• Complete annual child safety and online safety training

• Uphold professional boundaries

• Report concerns immediately

• Create safe, encouraging learning environments

  
  

6.4 Parents / Guardians

Must:

• Supervise the child’s physical environment

• Ensure technology is used safely

• Report concerns promptly

• Model respectful behaviour
  
  

6.5 Students

Are encouraged to:

• Speak up if they feel unsafe

• Treat others with respect

• Use platforms responsibly
  
  

7. Safe Online Learning Practices

TTN ensures:

7.1 Safe Session Delivery

• All live sessions are monitored

• A second adult is available or accessible when needed

• Educators uphold visible and open communication online

• Breakout rooms follow strict supervision guidelines
  
  

7.2 Technology Controls

• Use of password-protected platforms only

• Student interactions limited to approved spaces

• No private 1:1 communication outside of official channels

• Screen-sharing controlled strictly by educators
  
  

7.3 Communication Standards

Staff must not:

• Communicate privately with students on personal accounts

• Use disappearing-message platforms

• Engage in informal relationships or conversations

All communication must occur through official TTN platforms.

8. Behavioural Expectations

8.1 Staff Must

• Demonstrate Christlike character

• Speak respectfully and encourage positively

• Model safe boundaries

• Avoid any behaviour that could misrepresent intent

• Uphold professionalism at all times
  
  

8.2 Staff Must Never

• Be alone with a student without visibility

• Engage in private messaging outside approved channels

• Use personal devices to contact students

• Make sexual, suggestive, or harmful comments

• Share personal details unnecessarily

• Encourage secrecy or exclusive friendships
  
  

8.3 Student Behaviour Standards

Students must:

• Treat peers and teachers kindly

• Use technology responsibly

• Avoid sharing private or inappropriate content

• Never engage in bullying or harassment

• Report if something feels wrong or unsafe

9. Reporting Child Safety Concerns

9.1 Immediate Response

Any concern, disclosure, or observation must be reported immediately to:

📧 ceo@thetransformationnetwork.org.au
(or designated Child Safety Officer email)

9.2 Mandatory Reporting

TTN staff are required to follow all applicable state-based mandatory reporting laws.

Concerns are escalated to:

• Relevant state child protection authority

• Police (if required)

• TTN Executive Team

We act without delay.

9.3 Confidentiality

Reports are handled sensitively and shared only with those who need to know for safety reasons.

9.4 No Retaliation

Children, parents, or staff who raise concerns are protected from victimisation.

10. Responding to Incidents

When an incident occurs:

1. Ensure the immediate safety of the child

2. Notify parent/guardian (unless doing so increases risk)

3. Document the incident clearly and factually

4. Report to relevant authorities where legally required

5. Notify TTN Executive

6. Implement follow-up actions and support
   
   

11. Recruitment & Screening

TTN ensures:

• All staff hold a valid Working with Children Check

• Interviews include child-safety questions

• Reference checks emphasise character & behaviour

• No staff may begin work until all checks are verified
  
  

12. Training & Education

All educators and staff receive training in:

• Child safety laws and reporting

• Online child protection

• Recognising signs of abuse

• Maintaining professional boundaries

• Responding to disclosures

Annual refresher training is mandatory.

13. Risk Management

TTN conducts ongoing risk assessments for:

• Online learning platforms

• Staff-student interactions

• Session formats and group compositions

• Technology, data safety, and cyber risks

New risks are identified, evaluated, and mitigated promptly.

14. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed:

• Annually

• After any significant incident

• In response to legislative or organisational changes

Feedback is welcomed from families, staff, and stakeholders.

15. Commitment Statement

The Transformation Network affirms:

🛡️ A zero-tolerance stance on abuse or harm
💬 A culture where children feel safe to speak up
📖 A biblically grounded, honouring approach to leadership and care
🤝 Partnership with families in cultivating safe learning environments
🌱 Continuous improvement in child safety practices