Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

1. Commitment

OLGA is committed to creating a safe environment for:

• Children

• Young people

• Vulnerable adults

We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to abuse.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Staff

• Volunteers

• Ministry leaders

• Contractors

• Representatives

3. Definitions

Child: A person under 18 years of age.
Vulnerable person: Any person at increased risk due to age, disability, mental health, or circumstances.

4. Prohibited Conduct

The following is strictly prohibited:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Grooming

• Exploitation

• Neglect

• Spiritual coercion

5. Screening

Where required by Australian law or best practice:

• Working With Children Checks (WWCC) may be required.

• Background screening may be conducted.

6. Reporting

All allegations or suspicions of abuse must be reported immediately to:

• Ministry leadership

• Relevant civil authorities where required by law

Failure to report may result in removal from ministry.

7. Online Safeguarding

When interacting digitally:

• No private one-on-one communication with minors without parental awareness.

• Online interactions must remain ministry-focused.

• Digital communications must maintain appropriate boundaries.

8. Global Ministry

Where OLGA operates internationally, safeguarding standards will align with:

• Australian safeguarding expectations

• Applicable local laws

The higher standard shall apply where differences exist.