We all have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of young people who are in our care, as well as protect and preserve the good name of Rotary. The NZ Government “Pastoral Care Code of Practice” is a statutory requirement whereby host parents and those responsible for the care of young people must be vetted through the Police vetting procedure.
The purpose of vetting is to minimise the likelihood of the more vulnerable members of society being put at risk by individuals who have displayed behaviour that could be detrimental to others safety and well being.
The process requires the Police “Consent/Request and Vetting Form” to be completed by any person over the age of 18 years, who is in a live in environment with any person under the age of 18 years. The most obvious examples are host parents and families of our RYE students, and RANZSE students, although a RYPEN weekend camp could also qualify.
Each club president and district chair has the responsibility for ensuring that the completed “Consent/Request and Vetting Form” together with the “Youth Volunteer Declaration” (in the case of RYE) is forwarded to the designated person on the district committee for collating and forwarding to the District Youth Protection Officer,
Download the vetting form:
Further information on the New Zealand Police vetting process can be found on the Police website. Click Here
The procedure to follow is fully set out in the District Risk Management Manual under “Youth” Chapter 9, and can be found here: District 9930 Youth Protection Policy
The Youth Volunteer Declaration form:
In keeping with the police vetting procedure, the results of vetting will be forwarded to the “Approved Agency Authorised Representative” who in the case of District 9930 is the Youth Protection Officer, and not the District Committee or Rotary club forwarding the vetting applications. Police vetting can take up to two weeks to complete, so it is important that planning is carried out early and vetting forms submitted promptly.
This link to the Ministry of Education website provides important information concerning standards that are set for organisations that serve international students.
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Youth Protection Officer
Ross Pinkham
(Taradale)
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