New procedures for child protection

By Jennifer Leete

Changes to child protection legislation which were passed in NSW Parliament at the end of 2003 will come into effect on April 23.

The requirements of the new legislation, which Federation and our members lobbied hard to achieve, mean Department of Education and Training procedures, currently called "Handling Allegations against Department of Education and Training Employees in the Area of Child Protection?" have to be rewritten. This is currently occurring in consultation with a working group which includes the Federation, the Public Services Association, a number of school principals and a representative from the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations.

The Ombudsman's office will also be rewriting its procedures.

While Federation will be involved in consultation on both documents, when they are finalised they will not have the status of agreed documents. It is likely that they will be available during term 2 and that there will be some training provided to principals.

Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.

For further information

March 2004 contents