Child protection policy (QLD)

Details about the right to object to processing

Z Staffing is committed to providing a child safe environment where children’s safety and wellbeing is supported and children feel respected, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. Z Staffing embeds the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and promotes a culture of safety and wellbeing to minimise the risk of child abuse or harm to children whilst promoting children’s sense of security and belonging. We will ensure all employees understand the meaning, importance and benefits of providing a child safe environment and critically, understand their obligations and requirements for mandatory reporting under

At all times, management and staff will treat children with the utmost respect and understanding. Z Staffing believes that:

  • Children are capable of the same range of emotions as adults.
  • Children’s emotions are real and need to be accepted by adults.
  • A reaction given to a child from an adult in a child’s early stages of emotional development can be positive or detrimental depending on the adult’s behaviour.
  • Children who enhance their understanding of their body’s response to a situation are more able to predict the outcome and ask for help or evade a negative situation.

NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD (NQS)

QUALITY AREA 2:  CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND SAFETY

2.2

Safety 

Each child is respected. 

2.2.1

Supervision 

At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard. 

2.2.2

Incident and emergency management

Plans to effectively manage incidents and emergencies are developed in consultation with relevant authorities, practiced and implemented. 

2.2.3

Child Protection 

Management, educators and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities to identify and respond to every child at risk of abuse or neglect. 

EDUCATION AND CARE SERVICES NATIONAL REGULATIONS

84

Awareness of child protection law

86

Notification to parents of incident, injury, trauma and illness

87

Incident, injury, trauma and illness record

147

Staff records

155

Interactions with children

168

Education and care service must have policies and procedures

175

Prescribed information to be notified to Regulatory Authority

176

Time to notify certain information to Regulatory Authority

S162 (A)

Persons in day-to-day charge and nominated supervisors to have child protection training

S165

Offence to inadequately supervise children

S167

Offence relating to protection of children from harm and hazard

LEGISLATION

Child Protection Act 1999 (QLD) 

Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (QLD)  

Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Regulation 2020(QLD) 

RELATED POLICIES

Child Safe Environment Policy

Code of Conduct Policy 

Family Communication Policy 

Health and Safety Policy 

Interactions with Children, Family and Staff Policy 

Privacy and Confidentiality Policy 

Staffing Policy

Respect for Children Policy

Responsible Person Policy 

Staffing Arrangements Policy 

Student and Volunteer Workers Policy 

Supervision Policy 

Work Health and Safety Policy

PURPOSE

At Z Staffing, our mission is to identify and mitigate potential risks of harm to children and young people. We are committed to protecting children from all types of abuse and neglect and will adhere to our moral and legislative obligations at all times​​.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, and any other individuals representing Z Staffing who may work in or visit childcare centres.

DEFINITIONS

Mandatory reporting is the legislative requirement for selected classes of people to report suspected child abuse and neglect to government authorities. In Queensland (QLD), mandatory reporting is regulated by the Child Protection Act 1999.

Mandatory reporters

Mandatory reporters in Queensland, are people who deliver the following services, wholly or partly, to children as part of their paid or professional work: 

  • a doctor
  • a registered nurse
  • a teacher
  • certain police officers
  • a child advocate under the Public Guardian Act 2014
  • an early childhood education and care professional
  • Child Safety Services
  • licensed care services

All staff have a responsibility to recognise and respond to concerns for safety, welfare and the wellbeing of children and young people, and to report these concerns to management and appropriate Child Safe authorities.

WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?

Child abuse is any action towards a child or young person that harms or puts at risk their physical, psychological, or emotional health or development. Child abuse can be a single incident or can be a number of different incidents that take place over time.

There are different forms of child abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, family violence and neglect.

INDICATORS OF ABUSE

There are common physical and behavioural signs that may indicate abuse or neglect. The presence of one of these signs does not necessarily mean abuse or neglect. Behavioural or physical signs, which assist in recognising harm to children, are known as indicators. The following is a guide only. One indicator on its own may not imply abuse or neglect. However, a single indicator can be as important as the presence of several indicators. Each indicator needs to be deliberated in the perspective of other indicators and the child’s circumstances. A child's behaviour is likely to be affected if he/she is under stress. There can be many causes of stress and it is important to find out specifically what is causing the stress. Abuse and neglect can be single incidents or ongoing and may be intentional or unintentional.

General indicators of abuse and neglect may include:

  • marked delay between injury and seeking medical assistance
  • history of injury
  • the child gives some indication that the injury did not occur as stated
  • the child tells you someone has hurt him/her
  • the child tells you about someone he/she knows who has been hurt
  • someone (relative, friend, acquaintance, and sibling) tells you that the child may have been abused.

The Queensland Government identifies the following signs of child abuse and includes definitions and physical indicators:

PHYSICAL ABUSE 

Physical abuse is when a child suffers physical trauma or injury that is not accidental. It doesn’t always leave visible marks or injuries. Examples include but are not limited to hitting, shaking, burning, excessive physical discipline, attempted suffocation.

Indicators of Physical Abuse

  • Broken bones or unexplained bruising or burns in different stages of healing
  • Being unable to explain an injury or giving inconsistent, vague or unlikely explanations for an injury
  • Having unusual or unexplained internal injuries
  • History of family violence
  • Delay between injury and seeking medical assistance
  • Repeated visits to the doctor with injuries, poisoning or minor complaints
  • Being unusually frightened of a parent or carer
  • Wearing inappropriate clothing in warm weather (to hide bruises, cuts or marks)
  • Avoiding physical contact
  • Becoming scared when other children cry or shout
  • Being excessively friendly to strangers
  • Starting fires or being fascinated with fire
  • Destroying property
  • Hurting animals

SEXUAL ABUSE

Child sexual abuse happens when an adult, a stronger child or a teenager uses their power or authority to involve a child in a sexual activity. The sexual activity does not always need to be a physical act; it can also be a non-contact abusive behaviour such as flashing, exposure to sexually explicit material or inappropriate sexual conversations. Sexual abuse includes:

  • Exposing the child to the sexual behaviours of others
  • Coercing the child to engage in sexual behaviour with other children or adults 
  • Verbal threats of sexual abuse
  • Exposing the child to pornography

Indicators of Sexual Abuse 

  • know more about sexual activities than other children their age
  • play in a sexual way
  • masturbate more than what’s normal for their age and stage of development
  • refuse to undress for activities or often wearing layers of clothing
  • have bruising, bleeding, swelling, tears or cuts on their genitals or anus
  • have unusual vaginal odour or discharge
  • have itching or pain in the genital area, difficulty going to the toilet, walking or sitting
  • have a sexually transmitted disease, especially in a young child
  • have torn, stained or bloody clothing, especially underwear
  • be afraid of being alone with a particular person
  • be frequently depressed, feel suicidal or attempt suicide
  • create stories, poems or artwork about abuse.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Emotional abuse happens when a child’s social, emotional or intellectual development is damaged or threatened. It can include constant rejection, teasing, bullying, yelling, criticism and exposure to domestic and family violence. Some examples are:

  • constant or excessive criticism, condescending, teasing of a child or ignoring or withholding admiration and affection
  • excessive or unreasonable demands
  • persistent hostility, severe verbal abuse, and rejection
  • belief that a specific child is bad or ‘evil’
  • using inappropriate physical or social isolation as punishment
  • exposure to domestic violence
  • intimidating or threatening behaviour.

Indicators of emotional abuse 

  • extreme behaviour ranging from being overly aggressive to submissive
  • delayed emotional development
  • compulsive lying or stealing
  • high levels of anxiety
  • lack of trust in people
  • persistent bedwetting, urinating or soiling in clothes
  • regressive behaviour, such as baby talk or thumb sucking
  • having feelings of worthlessness about life and themselves
  • overeating or hardly eating at all
  • self-harming.

NEGLECT

Neglect occurs when a child’s health and development are affected because their basic needs are not met. These include the need for food, housing, health care, adequate clothing, personal hygiene, hygienic living conditions, medical treatment and adequate supervision. Some examples include:

  • inability to respond emotionally to the child
  • child abandonment
  • depriving or withholding physical contact
  • failure to provide psychological nurturing
  • treating one child differently to the others

Indicators of Neglect in children:

  • Starving, begging, stealing or hoarding food
  • Having poor hygiene, matted hair, dirty skin or body odour
  • Frequent illness, infections or sores
  • Talking about no one being at home to provide care
  • Frequently late or absent from school
  • Wearing inadequate clothing, especially in winter
  • Being left unsupervised for long periods
  • Alcohol or drug abuse at home
  • Delayed physical, emotional or intellectual development.

CHILD PROTECTION GUIDE

Professionals who encounter concerns related to possible abuse or neglect of children should use the online Child Protection Guide (CPG) to assist in making decisions about where to report or refer their concerns.

The online Child Protection Guide is a tool to assist professionals’ decision making if concerns arise about a child who appears:
to have experiences or is likely to experience significant harm AND
may not have a parent willing and able to protect them from harm.
The CPG will help professionals decide to report to the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women (Child Safety) or refer to other service providers, to help families receive appropriate supports. 

BLUE CARD 

Queensland’s Working With Children Check is administered by the Blue Card Services. All employees working or volunteering with children within Education and care services are required to hold a valid Blue Card at all times when working or volunteering with children. Education and care services are required to validate employee Blue Cards BEFORE an employee begins working with children. Education and care services are required to register the organisation details with Blue Card Services and link each new employee with the organisation at the start of employment through the Organisation Portal. Blue Card Services will advise organisations if an employee’s Blue Card has been suspended/cancelled or disqualified. 

Blue Card Services monitors and audits service providers to ensure compliance including risk management to ensure that appropriate safeguards are implemented and maintained to protect children from harm. 

IMPLEMENTATION

Z Staffing strongly opposes any type of abuse against a child and endorses high quality practices in relation to protecting children. We have policies and procedures in place that demonstrate our aim and willingness to keep children and young people safe in accordance to the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (the Act) and the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Regulation 2020. 

Educators have an important role to support children and young people and to identify concerns that may jeopardise their safety, welfare, or wellbeing. To ensure best practice, all educators will attend approved Child Protection training certified by a registered training organisation.  Educators will continue to maintain current knowledge of child protection and Mandatory Reporter requirements by completing Child Protection Awareness Training annually.

Z Staffing ENSURE:

  • all educators’ Blue Card are validated unless the person meets the criteria for exemption from a Blue Card
  • a record is kept and updated of Blue Card number and expiry date
  • all Z Staffing educators are:
    • provided with a copy of the current Child Protection and Child Safe Environment Policies
    • aware of their mandatory reporting obligations and responsibilities to report a reasonable suspicion that a child has suffered, is suffering or is at an unacceptable risk of suffering, significant harm caused by physical or sexual abuse; and may not have a parent able and willing to protect the child from the harm to Child Safety Services
    • aware of indicators showing a child may be at risk of harm or significant risk of harm.  
  • training and development are provided for all educators in child protection on an annual basis
  • educators are provided with a reporting procedure and professional standards to safeguard children and protect the integrity of educators, staff and volunteers
  • a Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy is developed to identify potential risk of harm to children and young people
  • all educators and staff are aware of their commitment to the Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy 
  • educators are provided with training and ongoing supervision to ensure they understand that child safety is everyone’s responsibility, and they adhere to the National Principals Child Safe Organisations
  • access is provided to all educators regarding relevant legislations, regulations, standards and other resources to help educators and staff meet their obligations
  • records of abuse or suspected abuse are kept in line with our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
  • to notify the regulatory authority through the NQA-ITS (within 7 days) of any incident where it is reasonably believed that physical and/or sexual abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring while the child is being educated and cared for by the Service
  • to notify the regulatory authority through the NQA-ITS (within 7 days) of any allegation that sexual or physical abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring while the child is being educated and cared for by the Service

EDUCATORS WILL:

  • contact the police on 000 if there is an immediate danger to a child and intervene if it is safe to do so
  • be able to recognise indicators of abuse
  • respect what a child discloses, taking it seriously and following up on their concerns through the appropriate channels
  • comprehend their obligations as mandatory reporters and their requirement to report any situation where they believe, on reasonable grounds, that a child is at risk of significant harm to the Child Safety Services:
    • during normal business hours - contact the Regional Intake Service see QLD government website for contact details
    • After hours and on weekends - contact the Child Safety After Hours Service Centre on 1800 177 135. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • refer families to appropriate agencies where concerns of harm do not meet the threshold of significant harm. These services may be located through Family and Child Connect at https://familychildconnect.org.au/. Family consent will be sought before making referrals.
  • promote the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of children at the Service
  • allow children to be part of decision-making processes where appropriate
  • prepare accurate records recording exactly what happened, conversations that took place and what was observed to pass on to the relevant authorities to assist with any investigation
  • understand that allegations of abuse or suspected abuse against them are treated in the same way as allegations of abuse against other people
  • NOT investigate suspicion of abuse or neglect but collect only enough information to substantiate concerns and pass on to the Child Safety Services or appropriate authority. 

DOCUMENTING A SUSPICION OF HARM 

If educators have concerns about the safety of a child, they will:

  • seek guidance from the Nominated Supervisor/Responsible Person
  • record their concerns in a non-judgmental and accurate manner as soon as possible
  • record their own observations as well as precise details of any discussion with a parent (who may for example explain a noticeable mark on a child)
  • not endeavour to conduct their own investigation 
  • document as soon as possible so the details are accurate including: 
    • child’s personal details (name, address, DOB, details of siblings)
    • time, date and place of the suspicion 
    • full details of the suspected abuse
    • date of report and signature

[see: Child Protection Notification- Observation Record]

DOCUMENTING A DISCLOSURE 

A disclosure of harm emerges when someone, including a child, tells you about harm that has happened or is likely to happen. When a child discloses that he or she has been abused, it is an opportunity for an adult to provide immediate support and comfort and to assist in protecting the child from the abuse. It is also a chance to help the child connect to professional services that can keep them safe, provide support and facilitate their recovery from trauma. Disclosure is about seeking support and your response can have a great impact on the child or young person's ability to seek further help and recover from the trauma.

When receiving a disclosure of harm, the Nominated Supervisor, Responsible Person or Educator will:

  • give the child or young person their full attention
  • remain calm and find a private place to talk 
  • not make promises that can't be kept. For example, never promise that you will not tell anyone else
  • honestly tell the child or young person what you plan to do next
  • tell the child/person they have done the right thing in revealing the information but that they’ll need to tell someone who can help keep the child safe 
  • only ask enough questions to confirm the need to report the matter because probing questions could cause distress, confusion and interfere with any later enquiries 
  • let the child or young person take his or her time
  • let the child or young person use his or her own words
  • not attempt to conduct their own investigation or mediate an outcome between the parties involved
  • not confront the perpetrator
  • document as soon as possible so the details are accurately captured including: 
    • time, date and place of the disclosure 
    • ‘word for word’ what happened and what was said, including anything they (the staff member/educator) said and any actions that have been taken  
    • date of report and signature.

In addition, an educator receiving a disclosure from a child will: Merged with above

MAKING A REPORT

Mandatory reporters must report to Child Safety a reasonable suspicion that a child has suffered, is suffering or is at unacceptable risk of suffering significant harm caused by physical or sexual abuse and may not have a parent able and willing to protect them from the harm. Mandatory reporters should still report to Child Safety a reasonable suspicion a child may be in need of protection where the harm or risk of harm relates to any other type of abuse or neglect.

Educators should refer to the Child Protection Guide to decide whether to refer a family for help or to make a report to Child Safety.  To report a concern to Child Safety, educators are to complete an online report form on the Child Safety website.  

When a report is made, ensure you provide the following information:

  • the name, age and address of the child or young person
  • the reasons you suspect the child or young person may have experienced or is at risk of experiencing harm
  • the immediate risk to the child or young person
  • contact details. You may remain anonymous; however, it is preferable to provide these details so that the officer can call you if further information is needed.

CONFIDENTIALITY

It is important that any notification remains confidential, as it is vitally important to remember that no confirmation of any allegation can be made until the matter is investigated. The individual who makes the notification should not inform the suspected perpetrator (if known). This ensures the matter can be investigated without contamination of evidence or pre-rehearsed statements. It also minimises the risk of retaliation on the child for disclosing.

PROTECTION FOR REPORTERS

All reporters are protected against retribution for making or proposing to make a report under amendments to the Child Protection Act 1999 effective 31 August 2020. The identity of the reporter is protected by law from being disclosed, except in certain exceptional circumstances. Provided the report is made in good faith:

  • The report will not breach standards of professional conduct
  • The report cannot lead to defamation and civil and criminal liability 
  • The report is not admissible in any proceedings as evidence against the person who made the report
  • A person cannot be compelled by a court to provide the report or disclose its contents
  • The identity of the person making the report is protected.

A report is also an exempt document under the Freedom of Information Act 1989.

SHARING OF INFORMATION

Sharing information is a key part of ensuring that vulnerable children are protected and supported. The Child Protection Act 1999 sets out the legal framework for reporting concerns about children to Child Safety and referring families to Family and Child Connect and support services, including intensive family support services. It outlines information sharing rights and responsibilities between professionals, Child Safety and services that support children and families.

Sharing concerns and information about a family with the right service enables a comprehensive assessment, informs decision making and leads to better outcomes that ensure the child’s safety. Sharing information can also facilitate a coordinated multi-agency response to families with multiple or complex needs.

Where possible, you should obtain a family’s consent to share information. You do not need written consent to share information. A verbal agreement or acknowledgment is sufficient. It is advisable to document the conversation for your own records.

The legislative provision that enables direct referrals without consent allows early support to be offered to the family before problems escalate and require statutory intervention. Sharing information takes precedence over a parent’s right to confidentiality or privacy because the safety, welfare and wellbeing of the child is paramount.

BREACH OF CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 

All educators and staff working with children have a duty of care to support and protect children. A duty of care is breached if a person:

  • does something that a reasonable person in that person’s position would not do in a particular situation
  • fails to do something that a reasonable person in that person’s position would do in the circumstances or
  • acts or fails to act in a way that causes harm to someone the person owes a duty of care.

MANAGING A BREACH IN CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 

Management will investigate the breaches in a fair, unbiased and supportive manner by: 

  • discussing the breach with all people concerned and advising all parties of the process 
  • giving the educator/staff member the opportunity to provide their version of events
  • documenting the details of the breach, including the versions of all parties
  • recording the outcome clearly and without bias
  • ensuring the matters in relation to the breach are kept confidential
  • reach a decision based on discussion and consideration of all evidence.

OUTCOME OF A BREACH IN CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 

Depending on the nature of the breach outcomes may include: 

  • emphasising the relevant element of the child protection policy and procedure 
  • providing closer supervision 
  • further education and training 
  • providing mediation between those involved in the incident (where appropriate) 
  • disciplinary procedures if required  
  • reviewing current policies and procedures and developing new policies and procedures if necessary.

EDUCATING CHILDREN ABOUT PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOUR  

Our program will educate children 

  • about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, and what is appropriate and inappropriate contact at an age-appropriate level and understanding  
  • about their right to feel safe at all times
  • to say ‘no‘ to anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable
  • about how to use their own knowledge and understanding to feel safe
  • to identify feelings that they do not feel safe
  • the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ secrets
  • that there is no secret or story that cannot be shared with someone they trust
  • that educators are available for them if they have any concerns
  • to tell educators of any suspicious activities or people
  • to recognise and express their feelings verbally and non-verbally
  • that they can choose to change the way they are feeling.

RESOURCES FOR INDICATORS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Child Safe Organisations https://childsafe.humanrights.gov.au

NAPCAN- Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect https://www.napcan.org.au/napcan-brochures/

Queensland Government. Communities, Disability Services and Seniors. Preventing and responding to abuse, neglect and exploitation 

Queensland Government. Child abuse and neglect education module. Responsibility, recognising and reporting (2013) https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/150693/childabuse-module.pdf

Queensland Government Queensland Child Protection Guide procedures manual

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT/REFLECTION

Our Child Protection Policy will be reviewed on an annual basis in consultation with children, families, staff, educators and management. 

CHILDCARE CENTRE DESKTOP- RELATED RESOURCES

Child Protection Notification Procedure 

Child Protection Notification Record

Child Protection Report Form

SOURCE

Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2014). 

Australian Government Department of Education. My Time, Our Place- Framework for School Age Care in Australia.V2.0, 2022

Australian Government Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2018). Australian child protection legislation 

Australian Government: Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2020). Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect 

Child Protection Act 1999

Child Protection Regulation (2011)

Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics. (2016).

Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010. (Amended 2023).

Education and Care Services National Regulations. (Amended 2023).     

Family and Child Connect. Funded by Queensland Government https://familychildconnect.org.au/

Guide to the National Quality Framework. (2017). (Amended 2023).

Revised National Quality Standard. (2018).

Queensland Government. Blue cards for working with children

 https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/regulated-industries-and-licensing/blue-card 

Queensland Government. Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs About Child Protection.

https://www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/protecting-children/about-child-protection

Queensland Government. Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women. Child Protection Guide. https://secure.communities.qld.gov.au/cpguide/engine.aspx 

Queensland Government. Child Abuse. How to recognise child abuse.  https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/child-abuse/recognise-child-abuse 

Queensland Government. Department of Health. Child abuse and neglect education module. Responsibility, recognising and reporting (2013) https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/150693/childabuse-module.pdf

Queensland Government. Queensland Family and Child Commission, Information Kit on Child Protection for Professionals (2020). 

Queensland Government. Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services 2014. 

Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000

REVIEW

POLICY REVIEWED BY:

Anthony Been

General Manager

15/03/2024

POLICY REVIEWED

Child Protection Policy (QLD)

NEXT REVIEW DATE

15/03/2025

VERSION

V1.2