Working with Children : Care Policy
THE LION KING
Disney Theatrical Productions (Australia)
The Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) are pleased to endorse
Disney Theatrical's Working with Children: Care Policy
as Best Practice in Australia.

Child Employment

Disney Theatrical Productions (Australia) has engaged juvenile performers in THE LION KING in accordance with the Juvenile Code of Practice as set out in Schedule 3 of the Disney The Lion King Performer's Enterprise Agreement 2002-2005 (see Addendum 2).

In NSW Child Employment laws exist that are actively monitored by DoCS Children's Employment Unit. The mandatory child employment provisions are part of DoCS broader child protection role. Disney Theatrical has established a good relationship with the staff of this Unit and is committed to ensure that The Lion King production not only complies fully with the statutory provisions of the Code of Practice but also promotes best practice principles

Disney Theatrical would like to acknowledge the MEAA's support and assistance in devising this policy.

PART I

Overall Philosophy:

Disney Theatrical aims to ensure that the children in the cast enjoy the whole experience of being involved with THE LION KING company in an environment of safety and continue to derive personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement throughout the season through their performances and the relationships they make on the production.

Principles:

Disney Theatrical is committed to undertake that the cast and employees will relate to the children in a way that ensures that:

1. The children's safety is of the utmost importance;

2. The children are guided towards positive and responsible stage and personal behaviour;

3. All cast and crew model highly professional conduct towards the children, and in the children's presence at all times;

4. The children are encouraged and supported to develop self-discipline in balancing their commitment towards their performance, their education and their social and family activities.

Specific Aims and Procedures

Designated Supervisors will ensure that the dignity and rights of each child are maintained at all times:

1. Parents will be kept advised of the progress of their child and given timely notice of schedules.

2. If any of the children become distressed, withdrawn or overwhelmed for whatever reason he/she shall be given the opportunity to watch proceedings or compose themselves in private.

3. Children shall be given the opportunity to express themselves; and their feelings are checked periodically to ensure their comfort and competence for the tasks required.

4. Clear guidelines and rules shall be established and the children shall be aware of the rules in order for them to conduct themselves accordingly while employed on the production and supervisors/chaperones monitor appropriate adherence and reinforce limit setting.

5. Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management practices must be enforced for the protection of the children in this highly technical workplace to fulfil Disney Theatrical's moral and ethical 'duty of care' obligations.

6. Non-designated Employees shall at no time be placed in a circumstance where they are required to chaperone or supervise the children.

Non-acceptable Behaviour:

1. Children will be accompanied by a Designated Supervisor at all times. Children are not allowed to wander the rehearsal studios or back stage unsupervised. Non-designated Employees should direct and accompany children to a Dedicated Supervisor or Company/Stage Management if children are found alone.

2. A Non-designated Employee will not enter the children's dressing rooms / school room unless invited by Company, Stage Management, chaperone or tutor.

3. Children will not be allowed to enter adult cast dressing rooms or crew areas unless accompanied by a chaperone; and without the approval of those in the dressing room.

4. Non-designated Employees should avoid being alone with children at any time.

5. Non-designated Employees shall be aware that overly familiar physical affection towards the children is not appropriate.

6. Employees should not play favourites with children or conversely marginalise certain children.

7. Children must not be placed in any situation where they are exposed to

• nudity (namely: male & female genitals and female breasts)
  
• swearing, obscenities or 'adult' talk
  
• smoking of any substance or drinking of alcohol (except in designated areas)
  
• harassment, humiliating or demeaning behaviour
  
• aggressive, threatening or uncontrolled behaviour
  
• inappropriate influence about opinions, beliefs, behaviour or conduct.

8. Inappropriate behaviour by any of the children shall not be tolerated and should be reported to a Designated Supervisor or chaperone if the child does not quickly respond to limit setting.

Tutoring:

Employees should be aware that the children are required to maintain continuity of their educational standards during the intensive rehearsal period and will be required to balance their schooling/tutoring demands with the demands of the production.

Once the production moves into performance mode the 4 alternating children's casts will be decided to cover the eight performances per week and children will resume attendance at school. Tutoring forms part of each child's working week and must be honoured. All employees should allow the children to concentrate on their school work without distractions.

PART II: Reporting Non-acceptable Behaviour

Child Protection:

If any cast or crew member learns of any information that indicates that the wellbeing of any of the children is compromised (whether in the workplace or in the community or home) they are to report it.

Any person may voice a concern or lodge a complaint about non-acceptable behaviour toward or by any of the children. Such complaints or concerns should be lodged with the Company Manager at any time.

Step1. Complaint
If you witness an incident of non-acceptable behaviour towards a child and /or children you are obliged to report the incident to the Company Manager as a matter of urgency.

Step 2. Investigate
In addition to the reporting of the incident you are required to ensure that the child is safe.
When the Company Manager receives a complaint he shall investigate the nature of the complaint in a timely fashion allowing the person complained against the opportunity to reply to the complaint.

Step 3. Determination of the facts
In the event the complaint is proven to be accurate the Company Manager shall inform the Casting Director of the allegation and the result of the investigation. The Company Manager shall also recommend an appropriate course of action.

Step 4. Resolution
The Casting Director shall determine whether a person should be disciplined by Disney Theatrical or whether the matter should be referred to an appropriate authority for further investigation and action pursuant to the law.

For reasons of procedural fairness any person involved in a complaint about non-appropriate behaviour to children is encouraged to seek support from a colleague, their union or any other person.

All non-acceptable behaviour complaints shall be documented by Disney Theatrical. The Casting Director shall keep all records which remain confidential unless otherwise requested to be released by law.

Definitions

"Designated Supervisors" are those adult employees who have been successfully screened for the Working with Children Check. "Non-designated employees" are those adults who have neither been screened nor designated as supervisors.

"Disney Theatrical" is the short form for Disney Theatrical Productions (Australia); unless otherwise specified.

Click here to view the Child Care Policy in a PDF

Click here to view Addendum 1 in a PDF

Click here to view Addendum 2 in a PDF