Screened, trained adults
Every adult who has regular contact with young people at AChA holds a current paid Working With Children Check. We do not accept the volunteer tier. Recruitment for any child-contact role includes reference checks and an interview that deliberately tests for child-safe values and judgement.
The two-adult rule
No adult is ever alone with a young member in connection with AChA. Tuning, sectional coaching, a pastoral conversation, first aid, anything: a second adult is present or in immediate line of sight. This rule is non-negotiable.
A Welfare Officer at every rehearsal
A qualified school teacher in the role of Welfare Officer is present at every youth rehearsal, audition, and performance. They are the named child-safety lead in the room and the first point of contact for any concern.
How we communicate with your child
We never contact young members privately. Communication runs through the Welfare Officer, through you as the parent or carer, or through an official AChA channel. Our leaders do not exchange personal phone numbers or social-media handles with members under 18. If a young person reaches out privately, we respond briefly, redirect to the official channel, and tell the Welfare Officer.
Drop-off, collection, and why parents don’t stay to watch
Drop-off and collection happen at the venue entrance, with the Welfare Officer managing the handover. Parents and carers are not permitted to stay and watch rehearsals. This is a deliberate child-safe design choice, not a lack of welcome: open viewing introduces unscreened adults into the room and makes supervision harder. Open rehearsals and family dress runs are scheduled separately, with explicit invitations. See Drop-off, Pick-up & Supervision.
Owned at the top
Our Board owns child safety as a standing responsibility. The escalation path for any concern is Welfare Officer, then Youth Welfare Executive Committee, then Board of Directors. If you ever have a worry, see If You’re Worried: Raising a Concern.
Part of the Parent Onboarding & Character Guide.