Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy

Our commitment

UNDERARTS is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where children and young people can explore their creativity, express themselves, collaborate with others and feel a sense of belonging.

We believe that children have the right to feel safe, be listened to, have their boundaries respected and participate meaningfully in decisions that affect them.

We have zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect, discrimination, bullying and harmful behaviour.

Child safety and wellbeing are central to how we design, facilitate and evaluate our programs.

Children's rights and participation

At UNDERARTS, we aim to:

  • Respect children's individuality, autonomy and right to express themselves.

  • Create opportunities for children to contribute ideas, make creative choices and shape their experiences.

  • Recognise that participation looks different for every child and support children with diverse communication, sensory and emotional needs.

  • Respect children's personal boundaries and avoid unnecessary pressure to participate, perform, disclose personal experiences or engage in physical contact.

  • Take children's concerns and experiences seriously.

  • Support children to understand their rights and identify trusted adults they can approach with concerns.

Inclusion and cultural safety

UNDERARTS welcomes children and young people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities.

We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, respecting their identities, cultural rights and connections to community.

We do not tolerate racism or discrimination. We aim to remove barriers to participation and respond thoughtfully to the needs of children with disability, neurodivergent children, LGBTQIA+ children and children from diverse family and cultural backgrounds.

Our facilitators

All UNDERARTS facilitators are required to hold a current Working with Children Check and comply with our child safety policies and code of conduct.

Facilitators are expected to:

  • Treat children with dignity, fairness and respect.

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

  • Use inclusive, non-threatening and respectful communication.

  • Avoid inappropriate physical contact and respect children's personal boundaries.

  • Maintain appropriate supervision and avoid unnecessary isolated one-to-one situations.

  • Respect children's privacy, including in photography, online communication and the sharing of personal information.

  • Recognise and respond appropriately to concerns about children's safety and wellbeing.

  • Report child safety concerns in accordance with our procedures and legal obligations.

Responding to concerns

We encourage children to speak with a trusted facilitator if something makes them feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried.

All concerns are taken seriously, including concerns involving adults, other children or experiences outside UNDERARTS.

Our approach is to listen without judgement, respond sensitively, assess any risks to safety and seek appropriate advice or assistance when necessary.

We respect children's privacy and recognise the importance of maintaining trusting relationships. Information is shared only when appropriate or necessary, including where required by law or to protect a child from harm.

We recognise that contacting a parent or carer is not always the safest response to a concern. Decisions about involving families consider the child's wishes, circumstances and safety, as well as applicable reporting obligations.

We do not promise absolute confidentiality where there are concerns about a child's safety.

Working with families

We value open, respectful relationships with parents and carers and recognise their important role in supporting children's wellbeing.

We welcome feedback from children and families and aim to involve them in developing and reviewing our child safety practices.

Safe environments

UNDERARTS works to identify and minimise risks within its workshops, performances, venues and online activities.

This includes considering appropriate supervision, physical spaces, accessibility, professional boundaries, child participation and the safe use of photography and digital communications.

Raising a concern

Children, parents, carers, facilitators and community members can raise concerns about safety, wellbeing or the conduct of an adult or another child.

Concerns can be raised verbally with a facilitator or directly with the UNDERARTS Child Safety Contact:

Child Safety Contact: Allison Wiltshire / Artistic Director
Email: hello@underarts.com.au

Concerns will be treated sensitively, documented securely and responded to promptly. Where necessary, we will contact relevant child protection services, Victoria Police or other appropriate authorities.

Concerns about UNDERARTS may also be raised directly with relevant external authorities.

Policy review

This policy is informed by the Victorian Child Safe Standards and will be reviewed at least annually, following significant incidents or when relevant requirements change.

Policy adopted: 26.10.2026
Next review: 25.10.2027