The purpose of this video series is to assist organisations
to understand their obligations under the blue card system,
in particular, how to develop a child and youth risk management strategy.
This introductory video will
provide an overview of the role and purpose
of the blue card system, and the obligations which apply to
organisations regulated by the system.
First, we will discuss the role and purpose of the blue card system.
The blue card system contributes to the creation
of safe service environments for children in a number of ways, namely:
child and youth risk management strategies
are required to be developed and implemented by all
organisations that provide regulated services to children.
Blue card checks are undertaken to determine a person's
eligibility to work with children based on known police
or disciplinary information, and compliance with risk management and blue
card requirements are audited
and police information of all cardholders is monitored on a daily basis.
As an organisation, you will need to determine
whether you are required to comply with the requirements under the blue card system,
including developing a risk management strategy.
So, how do you know if your organisation is regulated by the blue card system?
The first important thing to know
is that the blue card system does not apply to
every environment where a child may be present.
The blue card system is
structured so that organisations
providing services which are essential to children's development
and wellbeing, such as child care, education,
sport, and cultural activities are captured.
Further information to assist you in determining whether your organisation is regulated
can be accessed on the Blue Card Services website.
So, if you are a regulated organisation,
what are you required to do?
If you have determined that your organisation is a "regulated organisation"
then by law your organisation must:
Develop and implement a child and youth risk management strategy, and
ensure compliance with blue card requirements.
It is important to understand
that penalties apply in relation to failure to comply
with requirements under the blue card system.
So, what exactly is a child and youth risk management strategy?
As we have mentioned, all organisations falling within the scope of the blue card system
are required to develop and implement child and youth risk management strategies
which address eight minimum requirements.
The remainder of this video series will help
guide you through each of the
eight requirements in more detail.
So, why is risk management important?
Well,
parents want to feel comfortable having their child participating in different
activities,
in different locations, with different people.
And children want to feel safe when
they are
in these settings.
People who seek to harm children
often target organisational environments which have dysfunctional cultures
and an absence of effective risk management.
We know that the best way to keep children safe
is to create and promote child-safe and child-friendly environments
by implementing strategies to identify and minimise the risk of harm.
So, what if you determine that your organisation
is required to develop and implement a child and youth risk management strategy?
Where should you start?
We recommend that you watch the remainder of the risk management
video series
so that you can familiarise yourself with the
eight requirements.
Additionally, you should access the toolkit which is available on the
"Risk Management" page of
the Blue Card Services website.
The toolkit provides more detailed
information and guidance
on the eight minimum requirements.
When you get to the stage of
drafting your risk management strategy, it is a good idea to ensure that
all people involved with your organisation, especially children and young
people,
are consulted in the development and review of your strategy.
This will assist to build an understanding
of the importance of the strategy and build a culture
which recognises and values the importance of upholding safeguards for
children.
Safe service environments don't just happen.
They require ongoing planning, commitment, and maintenance.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about child and youth risk management
strategies.
We encourage you to continue watching the remaining videos on
offer from the Blue Card Services Learning Portal.