Antrim Camera Club Child Protection Policy
Antrim Camera Club (the Club) is committed to policies, which promote good practice and protect children from harm. A child, according to legislation, is defined as a young person aged 18 years and below. Antrim Camera Club is committed to making sure that children are protected and kept safe from harm while they are engaged in all formal or informal activities organised by the club. Members of Antrim Camera Club accept and recognize their responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues, which may cause children harm.
Aims Of The Child Protection Policy
To demonstrate the commitment of Antrim Camera Club to provide and maintain an environment that protects children from harm, as well as protecting the Club, and its members from potential allegations.
To ensure that Antrim Camera Club members are familiar with the Child Protection Issues.
To share information about concerns with agencies which may require to know and involving parents and children appropriately.
To take appropriate action in response to child protection issues which may involve Antrim Camera Club members.
Minimum Age
A minimum age at which a juvenile can attend the club without a parent/guardian remaining with them is 13 years old. However, the parent/guardian must be present at the juvenile member’s enrollment at the start of each season. A contact telephone number must be provided for a suitable parent/guardian.
Supervision
There MUST be at least 2 adult members supervising a child/young member at ALL times, if the parent is to present. A parent/guardian is welcome stay and accompany the child during our weekly meetings.
Definitions Of Abuse
All members of Antrim Camera Club should be aware that ‘child abuse’ might occur when the behaviour of someone in a position of greater power than a child causes harm. The common denominator of all forms of abuse is that it makes the child feel bad and worthless. Because children may be abused in a number of ways, the harm caused cannot always be easily categorized.
Neglect
The actual or likely persistent or significant neglect of a child, or the failure to protect a child from exposure to any kind of danger.
Physical
Actual or likely deliberate physical injury to a child, or willful or neglected failure to prevent physical injury or suffering to a child.
Sexual
Actual or likely sexual exploitation of a child. The involvement of children or adolescents in sexual activities they do not truly comprehend.
Emotional
Actual or likely significant or persistent emotional ill-treatment or rejection, resulting in severe adverse effects on the emotional, physical and/or behavioural development of a child.
Bullying
A child who is bullied may be suffering from any type of abuse. Bullying may take many forms, but the main types are - physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, theft), verbal (e.g. sectarian/racist remarks, name-calling) and indirect, such as spreading rumours.
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR ON CHILD PROTECTION
The Antrim Camera Club will require a parent to accompany any potential junior member to the initial club meetings and to complete a registration form. This form will explain the child protection procedures that the club has in place and will outline the circumstances whereby a minor may be photographed.
No photograph of a minor may be taken without the permission of a parent. Any photograph taken would not be used without the permission of the minor.
The Antrim Camera Club recognises that it is not practical to provide definitive instructions that would apply to all situations at all times whereby members of the Club come into contact with children and to guarantee the protection of children and other members.
However, below are the standards of behaviour required of club members in order to fulfill their role in the application of a Child Protection Policy.
This code should assist in the protection of both children and club members. Members of Antrim Camera Club MUST implement the Child Protection Policy and procedures at all times.
If anyone has concerns about Child Protection Issues within The Club they should raise them immediately with The Club Child Protection Officer or in their absence with another committee member present on the night.
Members of Antrim Camera Club must not:
1) Have children/young people in their own vehicle. Where circumstances require the transportation of children/young people in their vehicle, another adult/parent must also travel in the vehicle. In extreme emergencies (for medical purposes) where it is required to transport a child/young person on their own, it is essential that the parent is notified immediately.
2) Take a child to the toilet unless another adult is present or has been made aware (this should include a parent, if present).
3) Spend time alone with a child on his or her own. If members find themselves in this situation, make sure that they may be clearly observed by others.
4) Engage in rough, physical games including horseplay with children.
5) Do things of a personal nature for children that they can do for themselves or that their parent can do for them.
6) Physically restrain a child/young person unless the restraint is to prevent physical injury of the child/other children/visitors/other club members or yourself. In all circumstances physical restraint must be appropriate and reasonable, otherwise the action can be defined as assault.
7) Make sexually suggestive comments to or within earshot of a child.
8) Allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any kind.
The Main Principles Of Touch Are:
Touch should always be in response to the child's need;
Touch should always be appropriate to the age and stage of development of the child;
Touch should always be with a child's permission.
Antrim Camera Club has final discretion as to whether or not to accept a competition entry if that entry may be deemed offensive.
Antrim Camera Club may, from time-to-time, amend the above policy, to take account of the wishes of the Annual General Meeting.