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QAGTC Child Safe Policy

Queensland Association for Gifted and Talented Children Inc. (QAGTC)
Child Safe Policy
Version 1.0 | August 2026

1. Purpose

The Queensland Association for Gifted and Talented Children Inc. (QAGTC) is committed to creating and maintaining environments where children and young people are safe, respected, valued and empowered.

QAGTC recognises that every child has the right to feel safe and protected from harm and is committed to implementing the Queensland Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety. The Child Safe Standards provide a framework for organisations to embed child safety into leadership, culture, governance, practices and environments. [qfcc.qld.gov.au], [families.qld.gov.au]

This policy sets out QAGTC's commitment to child safety and the responsibilities of all persons involved in QAGTC activities and operations.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • QAGTC Committee members
  • Branch executives and branch committee members
  • Volunteers
  • Presenters and facilitators
  • Contractors and consultants
  • Conference delegates and attendees
  • Parents and carers
  • Children and young people participating in QAGTC activities
  • Any individual acting on behalf of QAGTC

The policy applies to all QAGTC activities, including:

  • Conferences
  • Workshops
  • Competitions
  • Enrichment programs
  • Social and networking events
  • Branch activities
  • Online programs and communications
  • Digital platforms and social media

3. Policy Statement

QAGTC has zero tolerance for child abuse, child exploitation, neglect, grooming, bullying, discrimination, harassment or any form of conduct that places a child or young person at risk.

We are committed to:

  • Promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
  • Ensuring child safety is embedded in organisational leadership and culture.
  • Listening to and responding to the voices of children and young people.
  • Creating culturally safe, inclusive and welcoming environments.
  • Engaging families and communities in promoting child wellbeing.
  • Recruiting and supporting suitable volunteers and personnel.
  • Responding appropriately to complaints and concerns.
  • Maintaining safe physical and online environments.
  • Continuously reviewing and improving child safety practices. [qfcc.qld.gov.au], [families.qld.gov.au]

4. Our Commitment to Children and Young People

QAGTC believes that all children and young people have the right to:

  • Be safe and protected from harm.
  • Be treated with dignity and respect.
  • Participate in activities free from discrimination.
  • Have their views heard and taken seriously.
  • Receive support when concerns are raised.
  • Learn and engage in environments that promote wellbeing.
  • Experience inclusion and a sense of belonging.

Children and young people participating in QAGTC activities will be encouraged to understand their rights, express their views and seek support if they feel unsafe. Child participation and voice are key elements of the Queensland Child Safe Standards. [qfcc.qld.gov.au], [families.qld.gov.au]

5. Commitment to Families

QAGTC values partnerships with parents, carers and families.

We will:

  • Communicate openly about child safety expectations.
  • Provide access to relevant policies and procedures.
  • Encourage feedback and participation.
  • Take concerns seriously and respond appropriately.
  • Promote transparency in child safety practices.

Families play an important role in helping maintain safe and supportive environments for children and young people. [qfcc.qld.gov.au], [families.qld.gov.au]

6. Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

QAGTC is committed to ensuring every child feels welcomed, respected and included.

We recognise that gifted and talented children may have diverse backgrounds, identities and support needs, including:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
  • Children with disability
  • Twice-exceptional learners
  • Neurodivergent learners
  • Children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
  • Children from diverse family structures

QAGTC will actively promote inclusive practices and equitable access to activities and opportunities. Equity and diversity must be respected in policy and practice. [qfcc.qld.gov.au], [families.qld.gov.au]

7. Commitment to Cultural Safety

QAGTC acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia.

We are committed to promoting environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people:

  • Feel culturally safe.
  • Feel respected and valued.
  • Can express their identity and culture.
  • Are free from racism and discrimination.
  • Experience genuine inclusion and belonging.

The Queensland Child Safe Standards require organisations to uphold the cultural safety rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children through the Universal Principle. [qfcc.qld.gov.au], [families.qld.gov.au]

8. Responsibilities

QAGTC Committee

The QAGTC Committee is responsible for:

  • Providing leadership in child safety.
  • Ensuring compliance with Child Safe Standards.
  • Maintaining appropriate policies and procedures.
  • Reviewing child safety risks.
  • Responding appropriately to reports and complaints.
  • Supporting continuous improvement.

Volunteers and Representatives

Volunteers, branch representatives and committee members must:

  • Comply with this policy and related procedures.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries with children.
  • Promote child safety and wellbeing.
  • Report concerns promptly.
  • Participate in relevant training and induction processes.

Parents and Carers

Parents and carers are expected to:

  • Support safe participation.
  • Comply with QAGTC expectations and Codes of Conduct.
  • Raise concerns appropriately.
  • Partner with QAGTC in promoting child wellbeing.

Children and Young People

Children and young people are encouraged to:

  • Treat others respectfully.
  • Follow safety instructions.
  • Raise concerns if they feel unsafe.
  • Seek support from trusted adults.

9. Child Safe Practices

To support child safety, QAGTC will implement:

Recruitment and Screening

Codes of Conduct

QAGTC will maintain Codes of Conduct that clearly outline expected behaviours and professional boundaries.

Training and Awareness

Committee members and volunteers will receive information regarding:

  • Child Safe Standards
  • Child protection responsibilities
  • Professional boundaries
  • Complaint and reporting processes
  • Online safety

Risk Management

Child safety risks will be considered in:

  • Event planning
  • Venue selection
  • Activity supervision
  • Digital engagement
  • Organisational decision-making

Safe Physical and Online Environments

QAGTC will take reasonable steps to ensure that physical and online environments promote child safety and minimise opportunities for harm. [qfcc.qld.gov.au], [families.qld.gov.au]

10. Online Safety

QAGTC recognises that child safety extends to digital environments.

QAGTC will:

  • Use approved and secure online platforms.
  • Maintain professional communication practices.
  • Promote safe and respectful online behaviour.
  • Manage cyber-safety risks.
  • Protect personal information.
  • Require appropriate consent for recordings and images.
  • Respond promptly to online safety concerns.

Children participating in online activities will be encouraged to practise responsible digital citizenship and report behaviour that makes them uncomfortable.

11. Reporting Concerns and Complaints

All concerns relating to child safety will be taken seriously.

QAGTC will:

  • Provide accessible pathways for reporting concerns.
  • Respond promptly and appropriately.
  • Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children.
  • Maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
  • Escalate matters to relevant authorities where required.

Any person who believes a child may be at risk is encouraged to report their concern immediately.

QAGTC's Complaints Management Procedure outlines the process for receiving, investigating and responding to concerns. Child-focused complaint processes are a key requirement of the Child Safe Standards. [qfcc.qld.gov.au], [families.qld.gov.au]

12. Continuous Improvement

QAGTC is committed to continuously improving child safety practices.

We will:

  • Regularly review policies and procedures.
  • Monitor complaints and incidents.
  • Seek feedback from participants and families.
  • Assess emerging risks.
  • Update practices as legislation and best practice evolve.

The Child Safe Standards require organisations to regularly review and improve their child safety practices. [qfcc.qld.gov.au], [families.qld.gov.au]

13. Related Documents

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

  • Child Safe Standards Framework
  • Code of Conduct
  • Complaints Management Procedure
  • Volunteer Screening and Recruitment Procedure
  • Risk Management Procedure
  • Incident Reporting Procedure
  • Online Safety Protocols
  • Blue Card Register and Procedures

14. Review

This policy will be reviewed:

  • Every two years;
  • Following a significant incident;
  • Following legislative changes;
  • Following a Child Safe Standards review; or
  • At the direction of the QAGTC Committee.

Approved by: QAGTC Committee
Effective Date: August 2026
Review Date: August 2028

References

Queensland Family and Child Commission. What are the Child Safe Standards? [qfcc.qld.gov.au]

Queensland Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety. Child Safe Standards and Universal Principle.[families.qld.gov.au]