Working with children, young people and vulnerable groups

Policy statement

Children, young people, and individuals experiencing structural vulnerability have the right to safety, agency, and respect. Just Gold follows child safe and trauma informed principles in every engagement.

Minimum requirements

• All personnel working directly with children must hold a valid Working with Children Check or equivalent clearance.
• Projects involving vulnerable people must be scoped with specific safeguarding measures from the outset.
• Do not touch, photograph, or publish stories involving vulnerable individuals without formal consent and safeguarding review.

Safeguarding principles

• Assume nothing: always ask what people need to feel safe.
• Prioritise consent, communication, and cultural safety.
• Avoid deficit narratives or content that evokes pity or disempowerment.
• Treat young people as co designers and contributors, not subjects.

Escalation

Concerns about harm, risk, or misconduct involving vulnerable groups must be reported immediately to a manager or the CEO. If the risk is imminent, contact emergency services before reporting internally.

Application

Applies to all programs, content, research, and events involving children, youth, or marginalised groups. Also informs partnership and subcontractor obligations.