Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable People Handbook

Transportation: It is the parent/ guardians responsibility to transport their child to and from a St John SA event. Members must not transport any children in any vehicle including a private vehicle, St John fleet or mobile first aid transport unless prior written consent has been sought through the Child & Vulnerable Persons Officer and the parent/ guardian. Transport to/from St John SA activities Generally St John SA is not responsible for the transport to an event/activity as transport is viewed as the parents/guardians responsibility. However, for an event/activity that is an excessive distance or individual parental drop off is difficult, St John SA may organise group transport ensuring at least two adult members are present. For group transportation, there should be a common meeting place and then the bus/St John SA vehicle will transport the group of children to the venue with at least two adult members present. If a child needs to be transported home unexpectedly from an event/activity, request the parents to collect the child. If this is not possible, two St John SA members must transport the child home or to a pick up point. Failure of parent/guardian to collect child In the event that the child’s parent/guardian fail to collect them from a St John SA activity, two St John SA members will stay with the child at the agreed meeting location. During this time the St John SA Supervisor will attempt to make contact with the parent/guardian and emergency contact for the child. If contact with the parent or guardian cannot be made, contact the CVPO for advice, it may mean that the local police will need to be called and custody of the child may be handed over to the police. Taxi organised by St John A child may be transported in a taxi, however only if at least two St John SA adult members are in the taxi.

Transport to hospital In the case of an emergency: Two adult members must transport the child to hospital, or One adult member may accompany a child in an ambulance journey to hospital, in the presence of 1 or 2 ambulance officers. Child is being transported alone This is considered the least favourable option for St John SA, however, we understand there will be instances where this is only practicable for parents, i.e. child is sent home from an activity and needs to take an aeroplane from a regional area. This can only happen if the parent has signed a, “Parental Consent for Transporting a Child” form. The form will ensure the parent clearly understands St John SA’s responsibility and involvement and the parent’s responsibility. Divisional meetings When planning and co-ordinating divisional meetings, please ensure the following: Never plan to run a Divisional meeting on your own Take a rollcall at the start of the meeting and record information Plan the arrival and departure of children and young people and ensure that at least two adult members are at the premises before the children arrive Do not leave the premises until all children have left or have been collected by their parents/ guardians Only with written parental approval can children be allowed to make their own way to and from meetings Ensure child protection procedures in regards to supervision are followed at all times When partnering for practical activities, ensure that this is at the child’s choice Ask permission from the child for participation in activities Be aware of any custody arrangements in place.

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Member Handbook July 2016 St John Ambulance SA Inc