Child Safe

Limestone Coast Academy of Sport (LCAS) recognises our responsibility under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 to create a child safe environment and uphold the South Australian Child Safe Standards.

LCAS is a member of the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network. As part of this national organisation, LCAS adopts the RAS Child Safe Commitment and safeguarding framework, including its Member Protection policy, Codes of Conduct and governance procedures. While RAS provides national oversight, LCAS applies these policies locally in accordance with SA legislation and the needs of our community.

RAS has a zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect, bullying, exploitation, or harm. We recognise our responsibility to provide a sporting environment that is safe, inclusive, supportive, and respectful, where children and young people feel valued and are able to participate, develop and thrive.

Our commitments:

• Provide a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all participants;
• Empower children and young people to participate in decisions that affect them and encourage them to speak up and share any concerns;
• Ensure children and young people know who they can approach if they feel unsafe or need support;
• Recognise and respond to the diverse needs of children and young people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, young people with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Educate and support Board members, staff, coaches, volunteers and partners to understand their responsibilities in creating and maintaining a child safe organisation;
• Implement policies, procedures and practices that help prevent, identify and respond effectively to child abuse or harm;
• Ensure all complaints, concerns, allegations and disclosures are taken seriously and responded to appropriately; and
• Encourage feedback from athletes, families and communities to continuously strengthen our child safe practices.

Creating and maintaining a child safe culture is a shared responsibility. Everyone involved with Limestone Coast Academy of Sport, guided by RAS policies, is expected to uphold our child safe values and behaviours and to always act in the best interests of children and young people.

Further information regarding our child safe practices, reporting processes and behavioural expectations can be found in our Member Protection Policy and Codes of Conduct which include state specific contact details.