Children and Young Adults Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose

The Melbourne Konkan Community Inc (MKC) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and

respectful environment for all children and young adults participating in its activities. This policy

outlines the measures taken to safeguard individuals under 18 and young adults up to 25 years of

age who are involved in community events, programs, and services.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All MKC members, non-members, volunteers, and staff

• Parents, guardians, and caregivers involved in MKC activities

• Contractors and third parties engaged by MKC

• All children (under 18) and young adults (18–25) participating in MKC events

3. Definitions

• Child: Any person under the age of 18 years

• Young Adult: Individuals aged 18 to 25 years

• Safeguarding: Actions taken to promote the welfare of children and young

• adults and protect them from harm

• Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation

4. Policy Statement

MKC has zero tolerance for abuse, harm, or exploitation of children and young adults. We are

committed to:

• Promoting their well-being and development

• Ensuring safe recruitment and screening of volunteers

• Providing clear procedures for reporting concerns

• Responding promptly and effectively to any safeguarding issues

5. Code of Conduct

All members and volunteers must:

• Treat children and young adults with respect and dignity

• Avoid being alone with a child where possible

• Always use appropriate language and behaviour

• Not engaged in any form of physical punishment or inappropriate contact

• Obtain consent for photographs or media involving minors

• Report any concerns immediately

6. Recruitment and Screening

MKC will:

• Require all volunteers working with children to hold a valid Working with Children Check

(WWCC) in Victoria

• Conduct reference checks where appropriate

• Provide safeguarding training and induction

7. Risk Management

• Conduct risk assessments for all events involving children

• Ensure adequate supervision ratios

• Maintain safe physical environments

• Implement sign-in and sign-out procedures for minors

8. Reporting Concerns

Any concerns, disclosures, or suspicions of abuse must be reported immediately to:

• The MKC Safeguarding Officer

• Relevant authorities where required (e.g., Victoria Police or Child Protection)

Reports should include:

• Details of the incident

• Date, time, and location

• Names of individuals involved

9. Responding to Disclosures

If a child or young adult discloses abuse:

• Listen without judgment

• Reassure them they did the right thing

• Do not promise confidentiality

• Record the information accurately

• Report immediately according to procedures

10. Confidentiality

All safeguarding concerns will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality, sharing information

only with those who need to know.

11. Training and Awareness

MKC will:

• Provide regular safeguarding training

• Promote awareness of this policy

• Ensure all members understand their responsibilities

12. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any safeguarding incident to ensure its

effectiveness and compliance with Victorian laws.

13. Contact Information

Safeguarding Officer: Mayola D’Souza

Email: mkonkanc@gmail.com

Approval and Adoption

This policy was adopted by the Melbourne Konkan Community Committee on 02 January 2026

and approved by the Committee headed by its President Maxim Rego.

Name: Maxim Rego

Position: President

Date: 02 January 2026