1.1 Policy Statement

Nefesh Synagogue is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all its Members and Leaders. In particular, the safety, protection and well-being of all children is of fundamental importance to the Synagogue. The purpose of this Policy is to summarise the obligations imposed by child protection legislation on Nefesh Synagogue and its Leaders and to provide guidelines as to how Nefesh Synagogue will deal with certain matters.

1.2 Scope

This Policy applies to all Ministries authorised by or under the control of the Synagogue and all Leaders within the Synagogue or engaged by the Synagogue.

1.4 Definitions

Key terms used throughout this policy include:

• Child: Any person under the age of 18.
• Leader: Any person (paid or unpaid) over the age of 16 who is responsible for the control and safety of members placed in their care whilst holding a formal position in a recognised Ministry of the Synagogue.
• Abuse: Has the meaning given in section 9 of this policy.

(A full list of definitions is available in the complete policy document.)

We acknowledge that some Ministries in the Synagogue might have external affiliation with other organisations. These organisations will possibly have their own policies. This Policy is not intended to replace or conflict with other policies, but instead to operate in conjunction with them.

This Policy will be reviewed regularly and might be amended from time to time to take into account amendments to legislation and regulations. Any proposed changes will be submitted to the Board of Nefesh Synagogue for approval before being implemented.

Our obligations are guided by spiritual, legal, and ethical principles to ensure the highest standard of care and protection.

• Spiritual: Our core beliefs require us to treat all people with love and dignity and to care for those in need of nurture and protection.
• Legal: We adhere to all obligations under NSW child protection legislation, including the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, the Ombudsman Act 1974, and the Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012.
• Ethical: We maintain high standards of conduct, prohibiting any inappropriate behaviour, language, or actions by Leaders.

Leaders involved in Nefesh Youth Services must be carefully selected and screened. Prior to Leaders commencing Child-related Ministries, a comprehensive process is undertaken, including application forms, referee checks, interviews, and a mandatory Working with Children Check.

All Leaders are issued with a copy of this Policy and receive training in its content and application, including reporting procedures and associated legal requirements.

To ensure a safe environment, we adhere to strict supervision protocols. This includes having two Leaders present when working with children, never being alone with a child in a car or during counselling, and respecting privacy during all activities. All programs are open to observation by parents/guardians.

It is not the responsibility of the Synagogue or its Leaders to discipline a child. At no time will a Leader administer any form of physical, emotional, or mental discipline. If a child's behaviour is disruptive or may cause harm, they will be referred back to their parent or guardian.

The Synagogue requires all Leaders to report any concern about the safety, welfare, or wellbeing of a child to the Rabbi or his delegate. If the allegation involves the Rabbi, the report should be made to the President or Vice President of the Board. All concerns are actively investigated and reported to the police and the Child Protection Hotline where necessary.

All reports regarding the safety of a child are dealt with confidentially. The Halachic concepts of *mesira* (reporting a criminal act to secular authorities) and *loshon horo* (derogatory speech) do not apply to the communication and reporting of allegations of child abuse.

(This section contains further detailed information regarding legal definitions and procedures for Working With Children Checks, which are available in the full policy document.)

The consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs on Synagogue grounds or during an activity is not to be condoned by any Leader. Any child found to be under the influence will be returned to their parents/guardians immediately. Any child required to take prescription medication must provide a letter from their parents/guardians to the Ministry Leader.