The Children and Young People Act 2008 
includes a legal obligation that individuals working in education and care services must report any suspected child abuse or neglect.
Keeping Children and Young People Safe is a guide to assist members of the public in making decisions about reporting concerns of child abuse or neglect in the ACT.
All staff working in education and care are encouraged to complete the Community Services Directorate’s free Keeping Children and Young People Safe Online Training .
The Reportable Conduct Scheme aims to improve child protection within organisations in the ACT.
Reportable conduct covers allegations or convictions of child abuse or misconduct towards children.
Organisations must report allegations of reportable conduct by an employee or volunteer. This includes ill-treatment of a child (such as emotional abuse or use of force) neglect, psychological harm, misconduct of a sexual nature, sexual or physical offences and convictions where a child is a victim or is present and inappropriate discipline or not protecting children from harm.
Organisations must have policies and procedures to prevent and respond to child abuse.
The ACT’s Ombudsman provides support and practice guidelines to help organisations meet their reportable conduct obligations.
If organisations suspect criminal conduct, they must also report the conduct to ACT Policing .
More information about the reportable Conduct Scheme can be found on the ACT Ombudsman’s website .
Senior Practitioner Act 2018 regulates the use of restrictive practices by a range of entities, including approved providers.
The Senior Practitioner works with the regulated communities to drive cultural change across all sectors where restrictive practices may be an issue. The legislation protects the rights of individuals in settings including children in education and care services.
More information about the Senior Practitioner and restrictive practices can be found in ACT Senior Practitioner Fact Sheet and on the Community Services Directorate’s website .
The Working with Vulnerable People (background Checking) Act 2011 requires all individuals working and volunteering in education and care services to have a background check and to be registered.
Providers and educators are required to maintain up to date records of Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Registration cards. This includes the obligation upon individuals to carry their WWVP card at all times while engaged in educating and caring for children in an education and care setting. For more information visit the Access Canberra’s website .