GPS Therapy Child Safe Environment Policy

In order to work with children and young people in school environment, GPS Therapy must have a Child Safe Environment Policy. At GPS Therapy, the safety and wellbeing of clients and participants is at the heart of everything we do, regardless of age. We are committed to creating environments where people feel safe, respected, included, and empowered.

Our Commitment

• We uphold the highest standards of child safety by:

• Prioritising the rights, voices, and experiences of children

• Creating culturally safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments

• Embedding trauma‑informed, evidence‑based practice

• Ensuring all staff meet strict screening, training, and conduct requirements

• Responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns about safety or wellbeing

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to all GPS Therapy personnel, including:

• Occupational therapists

• Students and volunteers

• Contractors and consultants

• Administrative and support staff

It covers all interactions with children and young people across clinic, community, home, school, and telehealth settings.

How We Create a Child‑Safe Environment

1. Safe Culture

We foster a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. This includes:

• Clear professional boundaries

• Respectful, inclusive communication

• Encouraging children to express their views and participate in decisions

• Regular supervision and reflective practice

  2. Safe People

All personnel:

• Hold a current Working With Children Check

• Complete mandatory safeguarding training

• Follow our Code of Conduct

• Are supported to identify and respond to risks

  3. Safe Practice

We ensure

• Safe physical and digital environments

• Risk assessments for all service contexts

• Transparent communication with families

• Privacy and confidentiality in line with legislation

  4. Safe Reporting

We take all concerns seriously. Staff must:

• Act immediately if a child is at risk

• Listen respectfully to any disclosure

• Document concerns factually

• Report to the appropriate authority in line with mandatory reporting laws

• Notify GPS Therapy leadership as soon as practicable

We do not investigate allegations internally — we follow statutory processes.

Cultural Safety

GPS Therapy is committed to culturally safe practice for:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

• Children with disability

• •LGBTQIA+ young people

• Children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

• Children experiencing vulnerability

We work in partnership with families and communities to ensure services are respectful, responsive, and inclusive.

Privacy and Information Sharing

We protect children’s personal information and only share it when:

• Required to ensure safety

• Mandated by law

• Necessary for coordinated care (with consent where appropriate)

• Continuous Improvement

We regularly review our policies, training, and practices to ensure they remain effective, evidence‑based, and aligned with legislative requirements and child‑safe standards.

Feedback from children, families, and community members is welcomed and valued.

Contact Us

If you have questions, feedback, or concerns about child safety at GPS Therapy, please contact:

GPS Therapy

contact@gpstherapy.com.au

0472 612 647