Code of Conduct

This document is mainly for clarifying and supporting the child protection policy. This is a brief outline of expected conduct, the precepts really do cover this, especially when interpreted as the family campers have done as follows:-

The first precept guards against all forms of harm, as well as, most obviously, physical abuse.
The second guards against neglect and some forms of emotional abuse.
The third guards against sexual abuse.
The fourth against emotional and psychological abuse.
The fifth helps us to be steadfast in practising the others.

These guidelines are encouragement, that we all need to play a part in the safety and well being of the children and young people that come to Amaravati family events. Its is extremely important to not investigate any alleged abuse but to refer – do not ask questions of the child, parent or anybody else as this may jeopardise a police investigation.

Never think abuse is impossible within the monastery environment or that accusation against someone you know well and trust is bound to be wrong.

 

• play your part in helping to develop an ethos where all people matter and are treated equally, and with respect and dignity. Always put the care, welfare and safety needs of a child first
• .respect a child’s right to be involved in making choices and decisions which directly affect them
• listen attentively to any ideas and views a child wants to share with you.
• respect a child’s culture (for example their faith and religious beliefs).
• respect a child’s right to privacy and personal space.
• respond sensitively to children who seem anxious about participating in certain activities.
• speak to the child protection office immediately if you suspect that a child is experiencing bullying or harassment.
• ensure that when you are working with children you are at least within sight or hearing of other adults.
• listen carefully to any child who ‘tells you’ (sometimes through drawings and behaviour as well as words) that they are
• being harmed and report what you have discovered immediately to the child protection officer.
• report immediately to the child protection officer any suspicion that a child could be at risk of harm or abuse.
• never dismiss what a child tells you as ‘lies’ or exaggeration.
• only restrain a child who is at imminent risk of inflicting harm to themselves or others or is at risk of damaging property.
• never underestimate the contribution that you can make to the development of safe communities for children.
• exaggerate or trivialise another worker’s concerns about a child or ignore an allegation or suspicion of abuse in the hope that it will either ‘go away’ or that ‘someone else will deal with it’
• be drawn into any derogatory remarks or gestures in front of children or young persons.
• allow a child, young person or adult to be bullied or harmed by anyone in the organisation.
• allow children to swear or use sexualised language unchallenged.

 

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