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Goju Ryu Karate Centre Policy on Reporting Child Abuse, Mental Health Disclosures, and Suspected/Admitted Substance Abuse

1. Introduction

As trusted adults, we find ourselves often being asked for advice by students and parents regarding everything from stress, to school, to self-harm, and beyond. While we are honoured to be seen as trustworthy and responsible, we also must ensure that we balance the needs of students with the legal and ethical responsibilities of the dojo. We are also not professionals in the mental health field, and therefore will defer any serious issues to trained experts. 

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This policy is designed to protect the well-being of our students while ensuring that our instructors and staff adhere to legal obligations regarding the reporting of suspected abuse, mental health concerns, and substance abuse disclosures. Our primary concern is the safety and welfare of our students.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to all instructors, staff, and volunteers at Goju Ryu Karate Centre. It outlines procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to disclosures or observations of:

  • Child abuse or neglect
     

  • Mental health issues
     

  • Substance abuse

     

3. Definitions

  • Child Abuse or Neglect: Includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as neglect or exploitation of a minor.
     

  • Mental Health Concerns: Situations where a student exhibits signs of psychological distress, suicidal ideation, self-harm, or other serious mental health symptoms.
     

  • Substance Abuse: The use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances in a manner that poses harm to the individual or others.
     

4. Confidentiality

  • All disclosures made by students will be treated confidentially, with respect for the student's privacy.
     

  • However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed when a student’s safety is at risk. Should we deem the student's safety at risk in any way - and that risk would not be worsened by involving the parents or guardians - we will immediately contact the parents and share all the information we have.

     

5. Reporting Procedures

5.1 Child Abuse or Neglect

  • If an instructor or staff member suspects that a student is a victim of abuse or neglect, they must report this immediately to the relevant authorities, in line with South African law and the Children's Act.
     

  • The instructor will complete a written report using Form 22 (as per Section 110 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005) and forward it to a child protection organization, the provincial Department of Social Development, or a police official.
     

5.2 Mental Health Concerns

  • Instructors who become aware of serious mental health concerns, such as suicidal thoughts or self-harm, will contact the student’s parent/guardian (if appropriate) and refer the student to a mental health professional.
     

  • In cases of immediate danger, emergency services (10111) or private emergency healthcare must be contacted, or the student taken to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
     

5.3 Substance Abuse

  • If a student discloses substance abuse or is suspected of substance abuse, instructors should provide a supportive environment.
     

  • The instructors will assess the situation, and if necessary, contact the student’s parent/guardian and recommend referral to a support organization.
     

There is no emergency that requires a karate instructor! As such, our business number is unattended after 7pm Monday to Fridays, and from 1pm Saturday morning to 8am Monday morning. When there is a medical/mental health emergency, please report immediately to trained professionals. Numbers are included below. 

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6. Protection for Reporters

  • Legal Immunity: Section 110(7) of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 provides that no civil or criminal liability shall attach to any person who in good faith reports suspected child abuse, neglect, or a child in need of care and protection, or provides information for such a report, unless it is proven that the report was made maliciously or in bad faith.
     

  • Good Faith Presumption: A reporter is presumed to have acted in good faith when making a report under Section 110, and that presumption applies unless evidence to the contrary is presented.
     

  • Scope of Protection: This immunity covers both mandated reporters and any person who reports under discretionary provisions of Section 110, including reporting of sexual offences against children under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, making the obligation to report without fear of retaliation.
     

7. Training and Awareness

  • All instructors and staff members must undergo regular training on this policy, including how to identify and respond to suspected abuse, mental health concerns, and substance abuse. We attend safeguarding courses annually through The Guardian, as well as level 3 first aid training every 3 years.
     

8. Review and Amendments

  • This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices.
     

  • Changes to the policy will be communicated to all staff members.
     

9. Contact Information

  • Designated Child Protection Officer: Sensei Zoë Jagger-Hinis 083-263-6134
     

  • Childline South Africa: 08000 55 555
     

  • South African Police Service (SAPS): 10111
     

  • Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567 | SMS 31393
     

  • Pharmadynamics Police and Trauma Line: 0800 20 50 26
     

  • AstraZeneca Bipolar Line: 0800 70 80 90
     

  • Sanofi Aventis Sleep Line: 0800-SLEEPY ( 0800 753 379)
     

  • Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line: 0800 12 13 14 | SMS 32312
     

  • SADAG Mental Health Line: 011 262 6396
     

  • Substance abuse helpline: 0800 12 13 14

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Acknowledgement:

While every effort will be made to do no harm by GRKC staff, we can only offer guidance and referral to trained experts. Responsibility for care ultimately lies with parents/guardians to ensure that students in distress get qualified help. 

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