Child Safe Policy

DNA Inc. Child Safe Policy
Effective November 2025
Reviewed annually

 

  1. Purpose

This policy outlines how DNA Inc. creates, maintains, and continuously strengthens child safe environments in line with:

  • Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld)
  • 10 National Child Safe Standards
  • Universal Principle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s cultural safety
  • Queensland Blue Card requirements

The policy guides all DNA Inc. staff, volunteers, contractors, collaborators, and community partners.

 

  1. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • all DNA Inc. activities, online and in-person
  • staff, volunteers, board members, and contractors
  • anyone representing DNA Inc. in community settings
  • any program, event, or service where children may be present or engaged, intentionally or incidentally

 

  1. Our Child Safe Commitments

DNA Inc. commits to:

  • upholding the rights, dignity, and safety of all children
  • using trauma-aware, neuro-affirming, and culturally responsive practice
  • ensuring children are listened to, believed, and respected
  • fostering environments where Autistic, Neurodivergent, Disabled, Queer, culturally diverse, and First Nations children feel safe and included
  • embedding child safety into organisational culture, not just compliance structures

 

  1. Cultural Safety & the Universal Principle

DNA Inc. recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s right to:

  • cultural identity
  • connection to Country, family, and community
  • culturally responsive care and representation
  • environments that are free from racism, bias, and harm

We commit to:

  • co-design with First Nations communities wherever possible
  • culturally safe communication and decision-making
  • ongoing staff education on cultural safety

 

  1. Roles & Responsibilities

Board

  • Ensures compliance with the Child Safe Organisations Act
  • Reviews policy and reports annually
  • Allocates resources for child safety

Staff & Volunteers

  • Follow the Child Safe Standards and this policy
  • Complete induction and ongoing training
  • Observe, record, and report concerns appropriately

Child Safety Lead

  • Coordinates DNA Inc’s child safety implementation
  • Oversees self-assessments and continuous improvement
  • Supports staff and volunteers with reporting processes

 

  1. Code of Conduct (Summary)

All adults representing DNA Inc. must:

  • act respectfully and without discrimination
  • maintain clear, safe, and age-appropriate boundaries
  • practice consent and explain processes in accessible ways
  • avoid isolation with a child where possible
  • ensure all online interactions follow safe communication guidelines
  • never use physical punishment, intimidation, degrading language, or applied behavioural management strategies
  • never engage in grooming or behaviour that may be perceived as grooming

A full Code of Conduct is available upon request.

 

  1. Safe Recruitment & Screening

DNA Inc. follows QLD legislative requirements including:

  • Blue Card screening and linking
  • role-based risk assessments
  • reference checks
  • national child safety training
  • suitability interviews for volunteer roles

No person with a suspended or negative Blue Card status may work or volunteer with DNA Inc.

 

  1. Participation & Voice of Children

DNA Inc. ensures children can:

  • share their feedback, preferences, or concerns
  • participate in shaping programs where relevant
  • have their communication needs accommodated (AAC, sensory supports, plain language, etc.)
  • have a trusted adult or support person present

 

  1. Managing Risks & Safe Environments

DNA Inc. uses a Child Safety Risk Management Plan to address:

  • online and digital safety
  • physical environments
  • accessibility and sensory needs
  • cultural safety
  • supervision expectations
  • transport and event-based risk

This plan is reviewed yearly or after any incident.

 

  1. Responding to Concerns or Harm

All concerns, disclosures, or observations involving a child’s safety must be responded to immediately.

DNA Inc. will:

  • prioritise the child’s safety and wellbeing
  • listen respectfully and without judgement
  • follow QLD mandatory and organisational reporting pathways
  • notify relevant agencies if required
  • document concerns factually and securely
  • ensure confidentiality while respecting legal obligations

We do not investigate allegations internally beyond establishing immediate safety and reporting requirements.

 

  1. Complaints & Feedback

Children, families, and community members may raise concerns through:

  • email
  • phone
  • website form
  • in-person conversations
  • anonymous feedback
  • accessible communication formats

DNA Inc. commits to safe, child-friendly, timely, and transparent responses.

 

  1. Training & Capacity Building

All DNA Inc. staff and volunteers will receive:

  • induction training on child safety
  • ongoing refreshers
  • education on neuro-affirming practice, trauma-aware practice, and cultural safety
  • updates regarding changes to legislation

 

  1. Privacy, Records & Information Management

Child safety information is:

  • kept confidential
  • stored securely
  • only shared with authorised agencies
  • retained according to legal requirements

DNA Inc. complies with QLD privacy laws and national standards.

 

  1. Continuous Improvement

DNA Inc. commits to:

  • annual review of this policy
  • using the QFCC Self-Assessment Tool
  • registering with mandatory national training
  • updating practices based on feedback
  • co-design with community where possible

 

  1. Policy Review

Next Review: October 2026
Approved by: DNA Inc. Leadership / Board Members
Applies to: All DNA Inc. activities and representatives

 

Authorisation

Bee Austin

Bee Austin
12 November 2025
Divergent Nexus Australia Incorporated. (DNA Inc.)