1. Commitment to Child Safety

Adelaide Hills Psychotherapy Services (AHPS) c/o Points of You (Australia) Pty Ltd is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who access our services. We believe that every child has the right to feel safe, be heard, and be respected. Our commitment is underpinned by the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 (SA).

2. Scope

This policy applies to all AHPS practitioners, staff, volunteers, contractors, and students who engage with children and young people through our services in Hahndorf, Mount Gambier, and surrounding regions.

3. Code of Conduct

All individuals associated with AHPS are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior when working with children and young people. This includes:

• Treating all children and young people with respect and dignity.
• Listening to and valuing the views and concerns of children and young people.
• Maintaining appropriate boundaries and avoiding any behavior that could be perceived as exploitative or harmful.
• Complying with all legal obligations, including mandatory reporting requirements.

4. Recruitment and Screening

AHPS ensures that all practitioners and staff who work with children and young people have a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) as required under the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (SA). We are committed to recruiting individuals who are suitable to work with children and young people and will take all reasonable steps to ensure this through our recruitment processes.

5. Training and Supervision

All AHPS practitioners and staff receive training on child safety, including understanding risk of harm for child, recognizing signs of harm, and responding appropriately. We provide ongoing supervision and support to ensure that our team is equipped to maintain a child-safe environment.

6. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

AHPS takes all concerns and allegations of risk of harm to children seriously. We have clear procedures in place for responding to and reporting suspected risk of harm for children, in line with our legal obligations. All staff are required to report any concerns to the appropriate authorities and to document their actions accurately.

7. Risk Management

We regularly assess and manage risks to child safety in our services and programs. This includes identifying potential risks, implementing strategies to mitigate them, and reviewing our practices to ensure ongoing safety for children and young people.

8. Communication and Participation

AHPS is committed to promoting the participation and empowerment of children and young people in our services. We encourage open communication and provide opportunities for children and young people to express their views and concerns. We also engage with families and caregivers to support the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

9. Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed at least every five years, or more frequently if required, to ensure it remains effective and up to date with legislative changes and best practices. Feedback from staff, children, young people, and families will be considered in the review process.

For more information or to provide feedback on this policy, please contact AHPS at:

Address: Suite 2, 2A Pine Ave, Hahndorf SA 5245
Phone: 0435 036 046
Email: info@adelaidehillspsychotherapy.com.au