Edition 39, October 2006

Risk management and blue card compliance support child safety

Queensland's Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian is helping businesses and employers create safer environments for children and young people by getting risk management strategies in place to protect children from harm.

Regulated businesses, employers and organisations (those with employees and volunteers who must hold blue cards) play a vital role in safeguarding children and young people in their care by having a written risk management strategy in place. This includes appropriate employment screening.

The Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian, Elizabeth Fraser, says the blue card or Working with Children Check is an essential element of an effective risk management strategy, but is no guarantee against future offending.

The Commission's legislation has required organisations to have a risk management strategy in place since 17 January 2005. But from 1 January 2007, under the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2006, strategies must include:

  • a policy with a statement of commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children and the protection of children from harm
  • a Code of Conduct for interacting with children and young people
  • recruitment, training and management procedures for staff (including appropriate employment screening, that is, blue cards and registers of staff who hold blue cards)
  • reporting guidelines and directions for handling disclosures or suspicions of harm
  • consequences to staff for not complying with the policy
  • policies and procedures for compliance with blue card
  • risk management plans for high risk activities and special events
  • strategies for communication and support such as:
    • information sheets for staff, volunteers and parents about policies, procedures and Codes of Conduct
    • training materials and strategies to help staff, volunteers and parents identify risks of harm.

'Queensland's approach requires proactive management of risks to children and young people. This regulation will further strengthen the state's child protection record,' Ms Frazer says.

The Commission offers free training and resources to support employers in meeting these obligations, including:

  • free half-day workshops for individuals and organisations
  • a resource package outlining practical strategies for developing and implementing risk management policies and procedures.

More information on resources and workshops can be found on the Commission's website at www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au  (Select 'About us' > 'Education and training' > 'Risk management strategy'.)

Organisations that fail to comply with the Commission's new legislation could face fines of up to $1500.

This page was generated on 26 August, 2009