How the system keeps children safe
Children need adults to protect them from harm and help them feel safe.
Harm can include accidents, bullying, exposure to physical hazards, neglect, or emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
Parents and carers play an important role in helping to keep children safe. You should feel comfortable asking individuals or organisations about their policies and procedures to protect children.
This page explains:
- how the blue card system helps keep children safe
- how to choose child-safe organisations
- how to make a complaint about a service or cardholder
- where to find more information.
Understanding the blue card system
The blue card system helps keep children safe by:
- screening people who work or volunteer with children
- monitoring applicants and card holders
- requiring organisations to meet their obligations
- investigating concerns about individuals and organisations involved in regulated child-related work.
Learn more about the blue card system.
Commonly ask questions from parents and carers
Choosing a child-safe organisation
When choosing an organisation for your child, consider whether it:
- has clear child safe policies
- follows the Child Safe Standards
- requires blue cards where appropriate
- has a process for handling complaints and concerns
Learn more about:
Reporting concerns
If you have concerns about an organisation, it is important to know who to contact:
- If it is a child is in immediate dance, or you believe a criminal offence has occurred, report it to the police immediately on 131 444.
- If you are concerned about reportable conduct by an employee, volunteer or carer towards a child, make a report through Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) Reportable Conduct Scheme
- If your concern relates to the blue card system, report it to Blue Card Services
Blue Card Services investigates whether organisations and individuals are complying with the rules. They also act on public complaints. If there are serious issues, they work with the police and other agencies to protect children.
You can report concerns to us if:
- someone working with children does not hold a required blue card
- a restricted person is working or volunteering with children
- a card holder behaves inappropriately
- an organisation is not meeting its blue card obligations.
Learn more about:
Reporting to the governing or peak body
Depending on the service environment, you should contact the relevant governing or peak body listed below.
- Department of Education for Queensland state schools
- Non-State Schools Accreditation Board for non-state schools.
Resources
The following organisations also provide resources to help communicate with your child or young person:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services
- Australian Childhood Foundation
- Australian Institute of Family Studies
- Daniel Morcombe Foundation
- eSafety Commissioner
- Family and Child Connect
- Kids Helpline
- Parentline
- Positive Parenting Program | Triple P
- Queensland Family and Child Commission
- Raising Children Network