1. Purpose
This policy outlines the standards and practices ONI follows to create a safe, supportive environment for young people. It is designed to protect youth, maintain professional boundaries, and reassure parents/guardians that their child’s safety is always our priority.
2. Guiding Principles
Safety First: Emotional and physical safety comes before convenience.
Transparency: All interactions are observable and accountable.
Parent Partnership: Parents/guardians are central to the process and always included in communication and decision-making.
Professional Boundaries: Staff maintain clear, professional, age-appropriate relationships.
Consistency: These standards apply across all ONI services.
3. Supervision & Environment (Training)
Consultations and training sessions take place in open, visible spaces.
Clinic rooms/private areas are only used if a parent/guardian is present.
Parents/guardians attend the first consultation and are welcome to observe training sessions at any time.
Sessions occur during regular staffed hours whenever possible.
4. Communication (Training)
Parents/guardians are always included in communication outside the gym (texts, calls, emails).
Staff do not engage in one-on-one digital messaging with youth clients.
Communication is always professional, respectful, and related to training or wellbeing.
5. Boundaries & Conduct (Training)
Physical contact is limited to what is necessary for safe instruction. It is explained in advance and consent is always sought beforehand.
Professional distance is maintained at all times.
Staff avoid personal friendships or socialising with youth clients outside of the gym.
Staff do not give or accept personal gifts of significant value.
6. Events & Transport (Training)
Staff do not transport youth clients unless there is written parental consent and another adult is present.
Parents/guardians accompany youth to offsite events or competitions unless otherwise agreed in writing.
7. Massage Therapy with Youth Clients
Because massage therapy involves hands-on treatment, additional safeguards are in place:
Eligibility
ONI provides massage therapy services to clients under 18 only with written parental/guardian consent.
For clients under 16: a parent/guardian must remain in the treatment room for the full session.
For clients aged 16–17: written parental/guardian consent must be provided to the therapist prior to the first session. Parents/guardians may choose to remain in the room or wait nearby, but must be accessible.
Written consent must be provided by email to carsten@oni.co.nz or daniela@oni.co.nz before treatment begins.
During Sessions
Therapists explain the process clearly (e.g. clothing, draping, what areas will be worked on).
Proper draping is maintained at all times — only the area being treated is uncovered.
Therapists check in regularly with the youth client to ensure comfort.
Professionalism is maintained at all times; treatment remains focused only on agreed therapeutic goals.
Parent/Guardian Role
Under 16: parent/guardian must stay in the room.
Ages 16–17: parent/guardian may remain or wait nearby but must be accessible.
Parents/guardians are welcome to observe or ask questions.
Documentation
Signed consent forms and session notes are securely stored.
Consent must be renewed if treatment changes significantly.
Any boundary concerns are reported immediately to ONI management.
8. Accountability
All staff receive training in youth safety and professional boundaries.
Concerns are reported immediately to ONI management.
Breaches of this policy are taken seriously and addressed promptly.
9. Our Commitment to Parents
This policy reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and care. Parents are always welcome to observe sessions or speak with our team about any aspect of their child’s experience.
For any concerns or feedback, please email laurent@oni.co.nz