Approved by the Executive of the Pagan Assembly of Nova Scotia
Last Updated: [Insert Date of Most Recent Approval]
Intent
In the spirit of hospitality and our duty of care toward one another, the Pagan Assembly of Nova Scotia (PANS) affirms the right of every child to a safe, nurturing environment. This policy was created to protect children and youth participating in PANS rituals, events, and activities. Child abuse and neglect are not only illegal—they are a violation of our sacred commitments to the Kindreds and to one another.
Definition
PANS recognizes definitions of child abuse informed by international best practices, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Canadian legal definitions under child protection laws. A “child” in this context refers to anyone under the age of 18 or any person deemed a minor under provincial law.
Child abuse includes any recent act—or failure to act—by a parent, guardian, caregiver, or person in a position of trust, that causes or risks causing harm to the child’s:
- physical or emotional well-being
- health or development
- dignity or safety
This includes physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, and exposure to domestic or intimate partner violence.
Policy
- Any PANS member, volunteer, leader, or clergy who suspects or becomes aware of abuse or neglect of a minor must report it immediately to the appropriate provincial or territorial child protection authority.
- The person making the report is encouraged to record relevant details: dates, times, what was disclosed or observed, and the name and contact details of any alleged perpetrator, if known.
- All such information must remain strictly confidential, shared only with relevant authorities and as required by law.
- PANS members are not to conduct independent questioning or investigations once a report has been filed. This includes avoiding any direct questioning of the alleged victim, alleged perpetrator, or witnesses unless directed by law enforcement or child protection officials.
- If the alleged perpetrator holds a position of trust or leadership within PANS, the matter must also be reported to the PANS Executive using our internal complaint procedures. Contact: info@paganassemblyns.ca
Reporting and Legal Resources
For more on child protection, abuse reporting, and best practices in prevention:
- Canada Child Welfare Services: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/childhood-adolescence/child-maltreatment.html
- World Health Organization (WHO) Child Abuse Resources: https://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/child/en/
Risk Reduction Guidelines
To protect children and youth and ensure safety at PANS events, the following practices are strongly recommended:
- At least two unrelated adults should be present when supervising children or youth.
- Volunteers working with minors should, when possible, have current criminal background and child abuse registry checks.
- Keep emergency contact info for all minors on file, including guardian contact information.
- Obtain signed permission forms from a parent or guardian for any care provided off-site or separate from the parent/guardian.
- Maintain records of allergies, medical concerns, and medications, while protecting confidentiality.
- Only a child’s parent or legal guardian should administer medication.
- Use universal hygiene precautions when changing diapers or providing minor first aid.
- All volunteers should complete an information and emergency contact form.
- Volunteers must be familiar with the site’s emergency evacuation plan.
- Volunteers under 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
For questions or concerns about this policy, or to report an internal concern regarding a member or leader, please contact the Executive at:
📧 info@paganassemblyns.ca