1. Rotary District 9640
Youth Protection

2. Aim of the District Youth Protection Policy
To create and maintain the safest possible environment for participants in Rotary youth programs
Rotary youth programs include but are not limited to –
Earlyact - A club for children aged 9 to 12 years. Interact - A club for young people aged 13 to 17 years. Rotaract - A club for students and young professionals 18 to 30 years.
Rotary Youth Exchange Program (YEP)
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
Rotary Youth Transition Seminar (RYTS)
Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN)
Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Honeywell Engineering Summer School (HESS) ConocoPhillips Science Experience
Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA)

3. Documents relating to the District Youth Protection Policy
These documents are available from the District Website in the Members Only Area
Access the YOUTH PROGRAM MATTERS section by clicking on
You need your User Name and Password.
Then click on the individual documents to download and read or save.

4. Contents of district youth protection policy
District Web Page – The documents specific to District 9640 detail the District’s policies, in particular –
Rotary District 9640 Abuse and Harassment Prevention Policy Supplement May 2018
Rotary District 9640 Abuse and Harassment Reporting Guidelines 2018
Recommended Code of Conduct for dealing with young people
Follow the procedure in the District Policy documents if any allegation is made, if there is abuse or harassment taking place or if it is suspected abuse or harassment may be taking place.
Look out for behavioral signs in youth which may indicate abuse or harassment.

5. The Youth Protection Policy
is achieved through -
Screening of volunteers
Training of volunteers
Supervision of volunteers

6. Screening
Legislation in Queensland and New South Wales requires those working with children, including volunteers, to be registered.
This applies to Rotarians, their spouses, and Friends of Rotary.
Not everyone needs to be registered.
Distinction between “volunteers” who have direct interaction with youth, and “responsible adults” who in a family or group situation for a short period of time are responsible for the care of youth.
Overnight hosts MUST be registered.
If in doubt, register.

7. how to register
In New South Wales apply on-line at organisations/working-with-children-check
In Queensland download application from
Each club should maintain an up to date list of registered volunteers

8. training
Some training is provided at PETS and District Assemblies, but the District Policies and Supplements sets out clearly what should be done.
For example, a summary of “Receiving a report” is:-
Listen attentively and stay calm
Assure privacy but NOT confidentiality
Get the facts but do NOT interrogate
Be non-judgemental and reassuring
Document the allegation

9. supervision
Be conscious that registration only addresses the past, so be vigilant
The present and future is managed by supervision and monitoring
Standards of behavior need to be judged from the point of view of the youth – their age, culture, experience
Have a well-communicated protocol in place so that youth can raise any concerns with confidence
Always consider the desirability of chaperones which is also a benefit to the adult
Supervision is the responsibility of all - not just the Youth Protection Officer, Youth Services Director and President

10. What if an incident arises?
The safety of the youth is paramount so they should immediately be removed from the perceived harm.
If the allegation is of sexual abuse or serious sexual harassment immediately report it to the police and to Rotary International at Parramatta and exclude the alleged perpetrator from youth activities unless otherwise advised by District.
Report the incident to the District Youth Protection Officer – Clarissa Huegill
Follow the reporting process 1 to 5 of the District Policy and the Policy Supplement.

11. insurance
The District has Insurance coverage of up to $2 million for club, District and Rotarians (other than the alleged perpetrator).
The Australian Rotary districts have established a fund to cover the excess of $50,000.

12. Vigilance and care
Be vigilant and remember your duty of care