Child Safety Policy

1. Our Commitment

SupportPath, operated by Polished Surfaces Pty Ltd (ABN 60 690 408 854), is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children and young people. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm.

We recognise that children and young people with disability can be particularly vulnerable, and we take active steps to ensure our directory supports their safety.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All providers and support workers listed on SupportPath;
• All families, participants and carers using the directory;
• All interactions initiated through SupportPath, including messaging and meet & greet requests;
• All SupportPath employees, contractors and administrators.

3. Definitions

Child / Young person: Any person under the age of 18 years.

Child abuse or harm: Any act, or failure to act, that results in or creates a risk of harm to a child. This includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, and grooming.

WWCC: Working With Children Check (or equivalent state/territory screening), as required under the relevant legislation in each Australian state and territory.

4. Provider and Worker Obligations

All providers and support workers listed on SupportPath who provide or intend to provide services to children must:

• Hold a current and valid Working With Children Check (or equivalent) for their state or territory;
• Hold a current National Police Check;
• Comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct when supporting NDIS participants;
• Immediately report any suspected or actual child abuse to the relevant state authority and to SupportPath;
• Never leave a child in their care with an unauthorised person;
• Never take photos, videos or recordings of children without express parental or guardian consent;
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

5. WWCC Requirements by State

6. Risk Awareness

Providers and families should be aware of potential signs of abuse or harm, including but not limited to:

• Unexplained physical injuries or marks;
• Significant changes in behaviour, mood or demeanour;
• Fear or nervousness around particular individuals;
• Reluctance to be alone with a specific person;
• Signs of neglect such as poor hygiene, dehydration or lack of food;
• Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour.

7. Reporting

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 000 (Emergency Services) immediately.

To report a concern to SupportPath, contact us at hello@supportpath.com.au.

You should also contact the relevant state or territory child protection authority:

• ACT: Office for Children, Youth and Family Support — 1300 555 729
• NSW: Department of Communities and Justice — 132 111
• NT: Department of Territory Families — 1800 700 250
• QLD: Department of Child Safety — 1800 811 810
• SA: Department for Child Protection — 131 478
• TAS: Department for Education, Children and Young People — 1800 000 123
• VIC: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing — 131 278
• WA: Department of Communities — 1800 273 889

NDIS providers and workers may also have mandatory reporting obligations under the NDIS Reportable Incidents Scheme. Reportable incidents involving death, serious injury, abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct must be reported to the NDIS Commission within 24 hours.

8. SupportPath's Role

SupportPath is a provider directory and listing service. We do not employ, supervise, or deliver care services. However, we are committed to:

• Displaying WWCC and Police Check verification status on provider profiles where provided;
• Acting promptly on any reports of child safety concerns;
• Removing or suspending any provider or user where there are credible safety concerns;
• Cooperating with police, regulatory bodies and child protection authorities;
• Regularly reviewing and updating this policy.

9. Breaches

Any breach of this policy may result in immediate suspension or removal from SupportPath. SupportPath will report credible allegations of abuse to the relevant authorities.

Personal information will only be disclosed in connection with child safety matters in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable law.

10. Contact

For questions about this policy or to report a child safety concern:

Email: hello@supportpath.com.au

Phone: Contact details available on our Contact page