Commission for Children and Young
People and Child Guardian
The Commission is an independent statutory
authority which promotes and protects the rights,
interests and wellbeing of children and young people
in Queensland.
The work of the Commission is regulated by the
Commission for Children and Young People and Child
Guardian Act 2000.
The Commission’s screening function requires
people who work with children (under 18) in
particular categories of paid or voluntary employment
or carrying on particular businesses to undergo
screening – the Working with Children Check.
What is the Working with
Children Check?
The Working with Children Check is a detailed check
of a person’s criminal history, if any, which includes
charges or convictions, and any information held
about them by the Board of Teacher Registration.
The Commissioner considers certain disciplinary
information provided by relevant bodies. This
relates to:
• teachers
• child care service providers
• foster carers
• nurses, midwives, and certain health practitioners.
In addition, information from police investigations
into allegations of serious child-related sexual
offences can be taken into account, even if no
charges were laid because the child was unwilling or
unable to proceed.
A person whose application is approved is issued
with a positive notice (a letter) and a blue card.
A person whose application is refused is issued with
a negative notice. This prohibits the applicant from
working in particular categories of employment or
conducting particular businesses as defi ned by
the Act.
The Act imposes penalties for people who do not
comply with their obligations.
Do students working with children or
young people as part of their studies
need to be screened?
Yes. Students who have to work with children or
young people as part of their studies must be issued
with a blue card before they begin their placement.
They are considered volunteers and applications are
processed without charge.
Which students need to be screened