As an organisation working with children, St John Ambulance Australia:
- recognises that children, as individuals, have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, free from emotional and physical danger, abuse and neglect
- places the highest priority on its responsibility to ensure that the children for whom it has a duty of care are protected against people and events which may cause them harm
This philosophy is supported by a comprehensive St John National Child Protection Standards, and by each state/territory having procedures in the areas of screening, managing incidents and reporting, in line with state/territory legislation.
Significant work has also been undertaken to strengthen the child protection training requirements of St John members and developing resources to support this. St John has identified the following training standards for members:
- All members, paid and volunteer, must complete child protection awareness training
- All managers must complete child protection management training
- All adults working in cadet divisions must complete child protection training
- All Child Protection Officers are required to hold child protection qualifications
- All members who are under 18 years of age must receive personal safety education
Click here for a copy of the St John National Child Protection Standards.