All Belong Employees and Volunteers will:

• listen to and respect children at all times;

• treat children and young people fairly and without prejudice or discrimination;

• ensure any contact with children and young people is appropriate, both emotionally and physically;

• use physical restraint only in situations necessary to protect a child or prevent others from harm;

• always ensure language is appropriate and not offensive or discriminatory;

• always ensure equipment is used safely and for its intended purpose;

• provide examples of good conduct you wish children and young people to follow;

• challenge unacceptable behavior and report all allegations/suspicions of abuse;

• ensure there are two adults present during activities with children and young people, or if this isn’t possible, ensure that you are within viewing or hearing distance of other adults, or are in a public space;

• respect a young person’s right to personal privacy;

• create a safe environment, where children and young people feel comfortable and are not subject to bullying behavior;

• recognize that special caution is required when you are discussing sensitive issues with children or young people;

• complete an incident report if there is an injury at a Belong! event. 

All Belong Employees and Volunteers will NOT:

• discipline children by the use of physical punishment or by failing to provide reasonable oversight or care;

• make inappropriate promises, patronize or treat children and young people as if they are unimportant;

• conduct any kind of relationship with a minor that may be construed as inappropriate. This includes, but is not limited to personal, flirtatious, or sexual verbal or physical interaction with a child or young person. Any such conduct will not only result in termination, but may also require Belong! to file a report with the proper authorities;

• act in any way that can be perceived as threatening or intrusive; or make sarcastic, insensitive, derogatory or sexually suggestive comments or gestures to, or in front of children and young people;

• make inappropriate promises to children and young people, particularly in relation to confidentiality;

• provide a gift to a child(ren) without expressed permission from Belong! Gifts should only be given as part of a Belong!-planned event where all children will receive something of similar value;

• either exaggerate or trivialize child abuse issues;

• ignore allegations or suspicions of child abuse. All adults are mandated to report any suspicion or allegations of child abuse to Child Protective Services and should inform Belong! staff.