Our commitment
Myomasters is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for children and young people. Their safety, wellbeing, dignity and voice are central to decisions about whether and how treatment proceeds.
About this policy
Myomasters is a sole-practitioner remedial massage practice operated by David Clayton. This policy applies to services provided through Myomasters.
David also has a separate club and volunteer role in sport. Work in that role is governed by the relevant organisation’s safeguarding framework and is not a Myomasters service. Personal legal and reporting duties continue to apply.
Treating younger children
For a child under 12, referral to a GP, physiotherapist or another suitable health professional will usually be the preferred course. Treatment at Myomasters may be considered where the circumstances, purpose and safeguards make it appropriate.
Respectful and inclusive care
Children and young people are treated respectfully and without discrimination. Communication is adapted to the young person’s age, understanding, needs and preferred way of participating.
Parents and carers
For clients aged 16 or younger, a parent or responsible carer must attend the appointment and remain on the premises. If the young person requests privacy and it is appropriate, the parent or carer may wait in the clinic waiting area.
The parent or carer must remain available throughout the appointment. Appointment communications for clients aged 16 or younger are directed through the parent or carer.
Consent from both the parent and the young person
A parent or guardian must consent to treatment. The young person must also understand, as far as reasonably possible, what is proposed, why it is being suggested and what choices they have.
During the intake, David will communicate directly with the young person and seek their willing consent. Treatment will not proceed merely because a parent or guardian has agreed. The young person may ask questions, request a change, decline part of the treatment or withdraw consent at any time.
Professional touch and boundaries
Only clinically appropriate areas will be treated. The purpose of any proposed touch, positioning, clothing adjustment or draping will be explained in clear language.
The young person’s privacy and comfort will be protected. Treatment will stop if consent is withdrawn, distress develops, the purpose is no longer clear or continuing would not be appropriate.
Dry needling and other procedures requiring additional consent
An invasive procedure such as dry needling would only be considered for a minor where there are extraordinary indications. It requires written consent from the parent or guardian as well as the young person’s informed and willing consent.
No technique is included automatically. Any procedure requiring particular discussion or consent will be explained before a decision is made.
Communication outside appointments
For clients aged 16 or younger, booking, reminder, follow-up and other appointment communications are made through the parent or carer. Direct private communication with the young person is avoided unless it is necessary, appropriate and known to the parent or carer.
Responding to a disclosure or concern
If a child or young person discloses harm or raises a safety concern, David will listen calmly, take the concern seriously and avoid promising secrecy. Only information needed to support safety and meet legal obligations will be recorded or shared.
Reporting suspected harm
Concerns about suspected harm will be reported when required by law. Serious or urgent concerns may be reported to the Child Abuse Report Line on 13 14 78. If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services will be contacted on 000.
Screening, training and compliance
David holds a current South Australian Working with Children Check, renewed in 2025. Child-safety training was last completed in 2023, and a Safe Environments for Children and Young People refresher is booked for September 2026.
A Child Safe Environments Compliance Statement has been lodged for Myomasters. This policy update is also the starting point for a broader review of the practice policy manual and related compliance records.
When someone feels unsafe
An appointment may be paused or ended whenever the child, parent, carer or David believes that continuing is unsafe or inappropriate. Immediate safety takes priority over treatment or payment.
If David is believed to be the source of the risk, the child and parent or carer may leave immediately and raise the concern externally. If David is under threat, he may end the appointment and take reasonable steps to protect his safety.
Raising a concern
A concern may be raised directly with David Clayton at Myomasters. A person may also contact the South Australian Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner or another appropriate authority.
Review
This policy will be reviewed following a relevant incident, significant legal or operational change, or as part of the scheduled policy-manual review.
Policy owner: David Clayton
Practice: Myomasters Pty Ltd trading as Myomasters
Last reviewed: September 2026