Code of Conduct
Our Commitment
Ensuring Safety and Respect for Young People and Vulnerable Adults
At St Anthony’s Family Care, we are deeply committed to fostering safe, supportive environments for all children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We believe safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we work proactively to ensure dignity, rights, and wellbeing are upheld in every aspect of our services.
We empower individuals to have a voice, raise concerns, and be heard. Our Code of Conduct reflects this commitment and outlines the expectations we hold for all staff, volunteers, and community members involved in our services.
Our Approach
How We Maintain a Culture of Safety
Open Communication
Families, carers, and the wider community are encouraged to engage in conversations about safety, and are included in decision-making where appropriate.
Empowerment and Inclusion
We prioritise creating environments where children, young people, and vulnerable adults feel safe to speak up and know they will be listened to.
Education and Awareness
We remain informed about the causes and signs of abuse and neglect, and continuously train our team to recognise and respond appropriately.
Mandatory Reporting
Any suspicion or knowledge of abuse is reported immediately to the appropriate authority, including the police if there is immediate risk.
Policy and Practice
All staff and volunteers are required to follow documented policies and procedures that prioritise safeguarding and reduce risk.
Our Practice
How We Put Safety First, Every Day
We carefully plan and review all activities involving children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Our goal is to identify and reduce risks before they arise, and eliminate them where possible. This includes:
- Considering risks in all settings, from in-home care to community-based programs
- Encouraging staff, volunteers, and families to raise any concerns or suggest improvements
- Ensuring our safeguarding practices are current, effective, and transparent through regular internal and external audits
- Actively listening to the voices of children and young people, and reflecting their feedback in our practices
Everyone at St Anthony’s Family Care, whether in a paid or volunteer capacity, is responsible for creating and maintaining a culture where safety, dignity, and respect come first.
Reporting concerns
You Will Be Heard and Supported
If you have any concern, suspicion, or knowledge of abuse, past or present, we are here to listen. Every report is handled with sensitivity, respect, and in accordance with our legal obligations and internal complaints procedures.
We commit to acting in a timely and transparent way, always centering the wellbeing of the individual involved.
To raise a concern, please contact:
Andrea Koutoullas
NDIS Quality, Safeguarding &
Compliance Coordinator
andrea.koutoullas@safc.org.au
Evan Kallipolitis
Manager
Disability Services
evan.kallipolitis@safc.org.au
Joanna Najdzion
Chief Executive
Officer
joanna.najdzion@safc.org.au
Frequently Asked Questions
We have some answers for you. Please contact us if we haven’t answer all your questions.
What is the purpose of the Code of Conduct?
Our Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for how all staff, volunteers, and community members must behave when working with or around children, young people, and vulnerable adults. It helps ensure everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and care.
Who is required to follow the Code of Conduct?
Every person working with or on behalf of St Anthony’s Family Care—this includes all staff, volunteers, contractors, and anyone interacting with children, young people, or vulnerable adults through our services.
How does Forge ensure staff understand safeguarding responsibilities?
All staff undergo ongoing training in safeguarding and child protection. They are also required to read, understand, and commit to the Code of Conduct and related policies before starting work.
What should I do if I have a concern about a child or young adult's safety?
If you have concerns about the wellbeing or safety of a participant, you should speak to a Forge team member, a coordinator, or one of the designated safeguarding contacts listed on this page. You can also report directly to the police if someone is in immediate danger.
Will I be listened to if I report a concern?
Yes. We take all concerns seriously. Reports are handled with sensitivity, respect, and in line with our legal obligations and internal safeguarding procedures.
What happens after I raise a concern?
Once a concern is raised, it is reviewed and acted upon promptly. This may include internal follow-up, reporting to external authorities, or providing support to those involved. We will keep you informed as appropriate and maintain confidentiality.
How does Forge create safe environments for participants?
We plan all activities with safety in mind, complete regular risk assessments, supervise all sessions appropriately, and encourage open communication with families and participants.
Can a participant be involved in decisions about their own safety?
Yes. We are committed to empowering children, young people, and vulnerable adults to have a voice, be heard, and participate in decisions that affect them—especially when it comes to their wellbeing and safety.
How often are safeguarding policies reviewed?
Our safeguarding policies and procedures are reviewed regularly through internal and external audits to ensure they meet current best practices and legal standards.
Where can I read more about my rights and our safeguarding policies?
You can find links to our Safeguarding Code of Conduct, Complaints Management Policy, and Your Right to Complain Brochure in the Helpful Links section above.