OSHC in the Media

It is with great sadness we advise that a former member of the OSHC profession in NSW has pleaded guilty to sexual abuse charges. The details of the charges are available on the media websites.

This is a very sad and disappointing day for our sector and we feel for the victims and their families. We also extend our compassion and support to the many others who have suffered as a result of the actions of this person.
The impact of child abuse has a ripple effect and it can create a lot of angst and sadness for other families who used the service, team mates, fellow educators and indeed for our profession.

It is important to note that the offences did not all occur at the OSHC service and the offender had close and sustained contact with children in a variety of informal setting outside of the service environment where ‘grooming behaviour’ took place prior to the committing of offences.

Many services will be faced with questions and concerns from children and families about what went wrong and what could have been done to prevent it.
Network has produced a fact sheet on sexual grooming behaviour and this is available to assist you to support staff and families in your service.

Because offenders may not enter an organisation with the explicit goal of abusing children, the focus should be on designing environments that limit the opportunities for anyone to abuse children.
The establishment of clear policy and procedures for the conduct of staff and volunteers in the service supports the maintenance of clear boundaries. The service policy should identify guidelines for staff that prevent them practicing any behaviours that may constitute ‘grooming’. A zero tolerance approach to grooming behaviours should be employed at the service. Most service polices and procedures create an environment that provides little opportunity for infiltration by a sexual abuser.

As we enter into a new period of regulations we are reminded of how important it is to have these regulations support our practice. Our child safe – child friendly policy requirement, the working with children check sand clearances and the mandatory child protection training for certified supervisors are all integral to maintaining this high standard of provision.

OSHC services are safe environments for children – we have as a sector an impeccable track record in provision of healthy and safe environments for children. Our OSHC Educators are important role models and significant people in the lives of children and we must stand proud of that reputation.

Each day Network hear inspiring stories of the wonderful contributions staff make to the lives of children and their families – stay strong in that commitment, continue to do do what we all do best providing supportive inspiring and caring environment for the children of NSW.

Download sexual grooming fact sheet for OOSH services >>

Download sexual grooming fact sheet for families >>

added: 24/08/2012

Guidelines say more play in after school care

Radio Program from the World Today
Liv Casben
March 19, 2012

www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2010/s2911945.htm

Playing by the rules makes prisoners of children

Cassandra Wilkinson
The Australian
October 22, 2011

www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opinion/playing-by-the-rules-makes-prisoners-of-children/story-e6frgd0x-1226173452613

Let the children play, new national guidelines advise

Elisabeth Tarica
The Age
October 10, 2011

www.theage.com.au/national/education/let-the-children-play-new-national-guidelines-advise-20111007-1ldgg.html