Our Codes & Policies

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CHILD SAFE POLICY
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Youth Performing Arts Central Coast (YPACC) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where children and young people can learn, create, and perform with confidence.

We have zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, neglect, or harm. The safety, wellbeing, and dignity of all children and young people involved in YPACC activities is our highest priority.

YPACC is committed to:

• Upholding the NSW Child Safe Standards

• Listening to and respecting the voices of children and young people

• Creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and supported

• Actively including children of all abilities, backgrounds, and identities

• Taking all concerns seriously and responding appropriately

All staff, contractors, volunteers, panel members, and guest artists share responsibility for child safety and are expected to uphold this commitment at all times.

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CHILD SAFE CODE OF CONDUCT
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All adults involved with YPACC are expected to behave in a professional, respectful, and child-focused manner at all times.

This includes:

• Treating all children and young people with respect and fairness

• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries

• Avoiding unnecessary physical contact and ensuring any contact is appropriate to the activity and with consent

• Avoiding one-on-one situations without visibility where possible

• Using positive language and behaviour management techniques

• Communicating with children only through approved and appropriate channels

• Never engaging in behaviour that could be perceived as grooming, intimidating, or inappropriate

Any breach of this Code of Conduct may result in removal from YPACC activities and may be reported to relevant authorities.

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WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK
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YPACC requires all staff, contractors, volunteers, panel members, and guest artists who engage with children to hold a valid NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC).

WWCCs are:

• Verified prior to engagement

• Recorded and monitored by YPACC

• A mandatory requirement for participation in any YPACC program

No individual will be permitted to work with children at YPACC without a valid and verified WWCC.

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MANDATORY REPORTING
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YPACC takes all child safety concerns seriously.

Where required by law, staff are mandatory reporters and will report any reasonable concerns regarding a child’s safety, wellbeing, or welfare to the appropriate NSW authorities.

All disclosures or concerns will be:

• Treated with sensitivity and confidentiality

• Acted upon promptly

• Escalated in accordance with legal obligations

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REPORTING & COMPLAINTS
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YPACC encourages open communication and welcomes feedback or concerns relating to child safety or wellbeing.

If a concern arises, you may:

• Contact YPACC management directly via email

• Request a confidential discussion

• Escalate concerns externally if required

All complaints will be handled respectfully, confidentially, and in a timely manner.

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PRIVACY POLICY
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YPACC respects your privacy and is committed to protecting personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.

We may collect personal information including:

• Names and contact details

• Emergency and medical information

• Participation and enrolment details

• Photos and video footage

Information is collected for the purpose of:

• Program delivery

• Safety and wellbeing

• Communication

• Marketing and promotion where consent has been provided

Personal information is stored securely and is not shared with third parties unless required by law or with consent.

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PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA CONSENT
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YPACC may capture photographs and video footage during rehearsals, auditions, performances, and events.

These images may be used for:

• Marketing and promotional purposes

• Social media and website content

• Event documentation

Consent is obtained through enrolment or participation forms. Families may opt out by notifying YPACC in writing.

YPACC will always use images respectfully and in a way that aligns with our child-safe values.

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TERMS & CONDITIONS
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Participation in YPACC programs is subject to the following conditions:

• Participants must adhere to all policies and codes of conduct

• YPACC reserves the right to remove a participant if behaviour compromises safety, wellbeing, or program integrity

• Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring accurate information is provided

Full terms are provided during registration and form part of the participation agreement.

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RISK MANAGEMENT & DUTY OF CARE
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YPACC recognises its duty of care to all participants.

We take reasonable steps to:

• Identify and manage risks

• Provide appropriate supervision

• Ensure safe venues and environments

• Conduct risk assessments for auditions, rehearsals, and performances

Participants and families also share responsibility for following safety instructions and guidelines.

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INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY
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YPACC is committed to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for all young people.

We:

• Celebrate diversity

• Support reasonable adjustments where possible

• Aim to remove barriers to participation

• Foster respectful and inclusive environments

We encourage families to communicate any support needs so we can work together to provide the best possible experience.

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ANTI-BULLYING
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Bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind is not tolerated at YPACC.

This includes:

• Verbal or physical bullying

• Social exclusion

• Cyberbullying

All participants are expected to treat others with kindness and respect. Breaches of this policy will be addressed promptly and may result in removal from the program.

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STAFF & VOLUNTEER SCREENING
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YPACC is committed to safe recruitment and engagement practices.

All staff and volunteers are required to:

• Hold a valid WWCC

• Meet suitability and experience requirements

• Adhere to all YPACC policies

• Participate in child safety expectations and training where required