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Town of Trenton
POLICY NO. REC-20240409
APPROVED: 2024-04-09
PAGE 1 OF 4
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
Scope
The Town of Trenton Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to creating a safe and secure
environment for all children who participate in our programs, events, and services. This Child Protection
Policy outlines our commitment to the protection of children from any form of abuse, neglect, or harm
during their time with us. It provides a comprehensive framework for staff, volunteers, parents, and
participants to ensure the safety and well-being of all children involved.
Policy
1.1. We are dedicated to promoting the welfare of children by:
a)
Providing a safe and secure environment for all children, age 17 and under, participating in our
programs, events, and services.
b)
Adopting rigorous recruitment and selection procedures to ensure staff and volunteers working
with children are suitable and have undergone appropriate background checks.
c)
Providing clear guidelines and training to all staff and volunteers on child protection policies,
procedures, and practices.
d)
Encouraging open and transparent communication among staff, volunteers, parents, and
children to report any concerns or suspicions of abuse.
e)
Taking prompt and appropriate action in response to any allegations, suspicions, or reports of
abuse, following the guidance of relevant authorities and organizations.
f)
Regularly reviewing and updating our child protection policies and procedures to ensure they
remain effective and in line with current best practices.
Roles & Responsibilities
2.1. Management: The Town of Trenton Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for establishing
and implementing child protection policies, ensuring staff and volunteers are aware of their
responsibilities, and providing necessary resources and support.
2.2. Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers are required to familiarize themselves with the child
protection policy, undergo appropriate training, and follow the guidelines and procedures outlined.
2.3. Parents and Guardians: Parents and guardians are encouraged to actively participate in the child
protection process, report any concerns or suspicions, and support the implementation of the policy.
Town of Trenton
POLICY NO. REC-20240409
APPROVED: 2024-04-09
PAGE 2 OF 4
2.4. Children: Children are encouraged to express any concerns or worries they may have, and to report
any incidents or suspicions of abuse to a trusted adult.
Recruitment and Selection
3.1. All staff and volunteers working with children must undergo a thorough recruitment process,
including application forms, interviews, and reference checks.
3.2. Background checks, including criminal record checks and vulnerable sector, will be conducted for all
staff and volunteers.
3.3. Staff and volunteers must provide proof of identity and relevant qualifications or certifications, as
applicable.
3.4. A code of conduct will be established, clearly outlining the expected behavior and responsibilities of
staff and volunteers when working with children.
Training and Education
4.1. All staff and volunteers will receive training on child protection policies and procedures, including
recognizing signs of abuse, appropriate behavior, and reporting mechanisms.
4.2. Training will be regularly updated and refreshed to ensure staff and volunteers are aware of any
changes in legislation or best practices.
Reporting and Response
5.1. In accordance with the Nova Scotia Children and Family Services Act (CFSA) Sections 23-24, every
person who suspects or has information indicating that a child is in need of protective services shall
forthwith report the suspicion and the information to an agency and upon failure to report may be
guilty of an offence as detailed in the CFSA.
Any concerns, suspicions, or allegations of abuse must be reported immediately to the Director of
Parks and Recreation and/or leadership staff.
a) All reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially, with the best interests of the child
as the primary consideration.
Town of Trenton
POLICY NO. REC-20240409
APPROVED: 2024-04-09
PAGE 3 OF 4
b) The Director of Recreation and/or staff will liaise with relevant authorities, such as child
protection services or the police, as required.
c) Support and guidance will be provided to the child, their family, and any staff or volunteers
involved throughout the process.
d) Any disciplinary action or dismissal will be taken in accordance with our disciplinary procedures
and relevant legislation.
Communication and Information Sharing
6.1. Parents, guardians, and children will be provided with information about our child protection policies
and procedures, including how to report concerns or suspicions.
6.2. Regular communication will be maintained with parents and guardians to update them on activities
and address any concerns.
6.3. Information sharing will be conducted in a manner that respects the privacy and confidentiality of all
individuals involved.
Child Drop off and Pick Up Policies
7.1. When children arrive at our programs or events, parents and /or guardians will be asked to sign their
child in with their first and last name, and arrival time. They must also declare who will be responsible
for them at pick up and provide an emergency contact number they can be reached at for the day.
7.2. Children must be signed out of our programs or events by the same individual declared at sign in
unless other arrangements have been made by the legal guardian and communicated to program
staff. Recreation staff reserve the right to request photo ID at any time or withhold the child until
contact with the legal parent or guardian has been made.
7.3. Children permitted by their parents to walk to and from our programs or events must be at least 12
years old and have written consent from their legal parent or guardian.
Photo Release and Cyber Safety
8.1. Prior to the commencement of our programs or events, parents or guardians will be required to sign
a photo release form. This form will outline our policies regarding the use of photographs or videos
taken during program activities and events, ensuring that parents or guardians are aware and provide
consent for their child's image to be used for promotional or educational purposes.
Town of Trenton
POLICY NO. REC-20240409
APPROVED: 2024-04-09
PAGE 4 OF 4
Review and Monitoring
9.1. Regular reviews of the child protection policy and procedures will be conducted to ensure they are
effective and up to date.
9.2. Any incidents or concerns will be documented, reviewed, and analyzed to identify areas for
improvement or further training.
By implementing this Child Protection Policy, we aim to create a safe and nurturing environment where
children can thrive, grow, and enjoy their time in our programs and events,. We are committed to
preventing child abuse and responding effectively to any concerns or allegations, ensuring the well-being
and protection of all children in our care.