Child & Youth Risk Management Strategy

Illumin8 Productions ABN 67 277 272 560

1. Statement of Commitment

Illumin8 Productions is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and the protection of children from harm in the context of video production projects. We acknowledge the responsibility to create a secure environment that fosters creativity while prioritising the safety of young participants.

2. Code of Conduct

All individuals associated with Illumin8 Productions, including freelancers, contractors, and volunteers, are required to adhere to a comprehensive Code of Conduct. This code outlines appropriate behaviour and expectations for interactions with children during video production activities, promoting a safe and respectful environment.

3. Recruitment, Selection, Training & Management

Written procedures are in place for recruiting, selecting, training, and managing freelancers, contractors and volunteers. This includes background checks, reference verification, and appropriate training on child safety policies and procedures. All personnel involved in video production projects are equipped with the necessary skills to ensure a safe environment for children and young people.

4. Handling Disclosures or Suspicions of Harm

Comprehensive policies and procedures are established for handling disclosures or suspicions of harm. Clear reporting guidelines are communicated to all involved parties, ensuring a prompt and appropriate response to any concerns related to the safety and well-being of children.

5. Managing Breaches

In the event of breaches to the risk management strategy, Illumin8 Productions has a detailed plan in place to manage such incidents. This includes a transparent and accountable process for investigating, addressing, and mitigating breaches to prevent reoccurrence.

6. Risk Management Plans for High-Risk Activities

Specific risk management plans are developed for high-risk activities and special events associated with video production projects. These plans address potential hazards and outline preventive measures to minimise risks to children and young people.

7. Blue Card Compliance

Illumin8 Productions has established policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the blue card system as required by Queensland legislation. This includes maintaining accurate records of blue card checks for all personnel involved in video production projects.

8. Communication & Support

Illumin8 Productions implements effective communication strategies to inform all stakeholders about child safety policies and procedures. Strategies are in place to provide support to staff, volunteers, and participants, fostering an environment of open communication and continual improvement.

Requirements in Detail

Code of Conduct

Purpose

Illumin8 Productions is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for children and young people involved in video production activities. This Code of Conduct outlines expected behaviour and standards for all individuals associated with the organisation, including freelancers, staff, and volunteers.

Scope

This policy applies to anyone directly or indirectly involved in video production projects facilitated by Illumin8 Productions, including but not limited to freelancers, contractors, volunteers, and clients.

Key Principles

All individuals associated with Illumin8 Productions are expected to:

  1. Prioritise Child Safety: Place the safety and well-being of children and young people above all else.
  2. Respect and Dignity: Treat all children and young people with respect, dignity, and sensitivity to their cultural backgrounds.
  3. Appropriate Conduct: Engage in professional and appropriate behaviour at all times, avoiding actions that may cause harm or discomfort to children.
  4. Inclusive Environment: Promote inclusivity, ensuring all children and young people are treated fairly and without discrimination.
  5. Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with children, their parents or guardians, and other team members.
  6. Boundaries: Respect and maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries with children, avoiding any behaviour that may be misconstrued.

Procedures

  1. Orientation: All individuals associated with Illumin8 Productions will receive a thorough orientation that includes an explanation of the Code of Conduct. This will be provided whenever we engage freelancers, contractors or volunteers on productions that include working with children and young people.
  2. Training: Training sessions on child safety and the Code of Conduct will be conducted regularly to ensure all individuals are informed about any updates or changes.
  3. Reporting Violations: Any individual who observes or experiences a breach of the Code of Conduct is required to report the incident promptly. Reporting channels will be clearly communicated, and protection against retaliation will be sought.
  4. Investigation and Consequences: All reported breaches will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken, including disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of association with Illumin8 Productions.
  5. Review and Updates: The Code of Conduct will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Any necessary updates will be communicated to all individuals associated with Illumin8 Productions.

Recruitment, Selection, Training & Management

1. Recruitment

  1. Job Advertisement: When advertising positions, clearly state our commitment to child safety and the requirement for adherence to our Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy.
  2. Position Description: Ensure all position descriptions clearly outline responsibilities related to child safety and necessary qualifications or experience.
  3. Screening Questions: Include specific screening questions in the application process to assess an individual's commitment to child safety and previous experience working with children.

2. Selection

  1. Interview Process: Conduct thorough interviews including questions related to child safety. Assess understanding of and commitment to our Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy.
  2. Reference Checks: Conduct reference checks with a focus on the candidate's previous experience working with children and their ability to adhere to child safety policies.
  3. Background Checks: Require all personnel to undergo background checks, including criminal history checks, in compliance with Queensland legislation.

3. Training

  1. Orientation: Provide a comprehensive orientation to all new personnel, highlighting our commitment to child safety and the specifics of our Strategy.
  2. Child Safety Training: Mandate child safety training for all personnel, ensuring they understand the signs of abuse, reporting procedures, and their role in creating a safe environment.
  3. Regular Updates: Offer regular updates and refresher courses on child safety policies and procedures.

4. Management

  1. Supervision and Accountability: Implement a clear supervision structure to oversee the work of freelancers, contractors, and volunteers. Hold individuals accountable for adherence to child safety policies.
  2. Performance Reviews: Incorporate assessments of child safety practices into regular performance reviews.
  3. Reporting Channels: Establish clear reporting channels for concerns related to child safety and ensure all personnel are aware of reporting procedures.
  4. Termination: Outline consequences, including termination, for any personnel found to be in breach of our Strategy.

Handling Disclosures

Purpose

This policy outlines the procedures for handling disclosures or suspicions of harm, ensuring a swift and appropriate response to concerns related to child safety.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals associated with Illumin8 Productions. It covers any situations where there are concerns or suspicions regarding the safety and well-being of a child.

Definitions

  • Disclosure: An explicit statement or revelation by a child regarding any form of harm or potential harm they have experienced.
  • Harm: Any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that may cause significant emotional, psychological, or physical distress to a child.

Procedures

Creating a Safe Environment: Illumin8 Productions is committed to creating an environment where children feel safe to disclose concerns. Open communication, trust-building, and an atmosphere of support are emphasised.

Recognising and Responding:

  1. Training: All individuals will undergo training on recognising signs of abuse, understanding different forms of harm, and responding appropriately.
  2. Duty to Report: Any person who becomes aware of, suspects, or receives a disclosure of harm towards a child is obligated to report it immediately, in line with Queensland law.
  3. Immediate Action: If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted without delay. The safety of the child is the top priority.

Reporting Procedure:

  1. Internal Reporting: All disclosures or suspicions of harm must be reported internally to the designated Child Safety Officer (CSO) within Illumin8 Productions.
  2. Documentation: The CSO will document all relevant details of the disclosure, including date, time, individuals involved, and nature of the disclosure. This documentation will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
  3. Reporting to Authorities: If the disclosure involves criminal behaviour or potential harm, the CSO will promptly report the matter to the relevant child protection authorities and, if necessary, the police.
  4. Support for the Child: Appropriate support will be offered to the child involved, and if required, their family. This may involve connecting them with counselling services or other relevant support networks.
  5. Support for the Reporter: Those reporting disclosures will be provided with support, protection from retaliation, and reassurance regarding confidentiality within legal constraints.

Investigations:

  1. Internal Investigation: Illumin8 Productions will conduct a thorough internal investigation following the reporting of a disclosure, involving all relevant parties while maintaining confidentiality.
  2. External Cooperation: Illumin8 Productions will cooperate fully with external authorities during their investigations.
  3. Confidentiality: Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the investigation process to the extent allowed by law.

Communication:

  1. Internal: Communication about the disclosure will be limited to those directly involved in the investigation.
  2. External: Communication with external authorities will be managed by the designated CSO, ensuring compliance with reporting obligations while protecting privacy.

Plan for Managing Breaches

Introduction

This plan outlines the procedures for managing breaches to our Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy. A breach is considered any violation or failure to adhere to established policies and procedures designed to protect the safety and well-being of children.

Reporting Breaches

  1. Internal Reporting: Any individual who becomes aware of or suspects a breach is required to report it immediately to the designated Child Safety Officer (CSO).
  2. Confidentiality: All reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Reporting individuals will be assured protection from retaliation.

Initial Assessment

  1. Designated CSO: Upon receiving a report, the CSO will conduct an initial assessment to determine the severity and nature of the alleged breach.
  2. Documentation: All relevant details will be documented for reference during the investigation.

Investigation

  1. Independent Investigator: Whenever possible, an independent investigator will be appointed to ensure objectivity.
  2. Thorough Inquiry: The investigation will be conducted promptly and thoroughly, involving interviews with relevant parties and a review of available documentation.
  3. Confidentiality: Confidentiality will be maintained throughout, ensuring the privacy of individuals involved.

Outcome Determination

  1. Findings: A report detailing findings, including any substantiated breaches and recommendations, will be compiled.
  2. Notification: The CSO will notify appropriate individuals, including senior management and relevant authorities, of the outcome and any necessary actions.

Addressing & Mitigating Breaches

  1. Corrective Action: Appropriate corrective actions will be implemented immediately. This may include additional training, supervision, or changes to existing policies.
  2. Support: If the breach involves individuals within Illumin8 Productions, appropriate support and guidance will be offered.
  3. Policy Review: Implicated policies and procedures will be reviewed to identify areas for improvement and prevent reoccurrence.

Documentation & Records

  1. All actions taken in response to a breach will be documented for future reference.
  2. Records will be stored securely with access limited to authorised personnel.

Risk Management Plan for High-Risk Activities

Identification of High-Risk Activities

  1. Definition: High-risk activities include those involving special effects, stunts, on-location shoots, or any situations with an elevated level of potential danger.
  2. Risk Assessment: A thorough risk assessment will be conducted for each high-risk activity, considering location, equipment, participant capabilities, and environmental hazards.

Prevention & Mitigation

  1. Pre-Activity Planning: A detailed plan will be developed for each high-risk activity outlining roles, responsibilities, timeline, and emergency response procedures.
  2. Personnel Training: All personnel involved in high-risk activities will receive specialised training relevant to the specific risks.
  3. Protective Equipment: Use of appropriate protective equipment is mandatory for both adults and children.
  4. Participant Screening: Children and young people must meet specific criteria including age appropriateness and physical capability.
  5. Emergency Response Plan: A comprehensive emergency response plan specific to each high-risk activity will be developed, including procedures for immediate medical assistance, evacuation, and communication.

Supervision & Monitoring

  1. Adequate Supervision: A sufficient number of trained and responsible adults will supervise high-risk activities, taking into account the age and number of children involved.
  2. Real-Time Monitoring: A system for real-time monitoring will be implemented to identify and address potential issues promptly.

Communication

  1. Clear Channels: Clear lines of communication will be established between all individuals involved in high-risk activities, emphasising the importance of reporting any concerns immediately.

Review

This strategy and all associated policies will be reviewed periodically to ensure effectiveness and relevance. Any necessary updates will be communicated to all individuals associated with Illumin8 Productions.

Last reviewed: August 2026