Commissioner invited to attend Inala Round Table Forum

Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian, Elizabeth Fraser, welcomed an invitation from Inala Elders to attend their recent Round Table Forum to discuss opportunities to further assist members of the community understand the blue card system and the independent statutory role of the Commission in protecting the rights, interests and wellbeing of children and young people in Queensland.

Round Table Forums provide an ongoing avenue for local based action to raise topical and local issues, and achieve positive outcomes against a range of community priorities including child safety, support for families, employment and improving access to essential services. The forums provide an opportunity for agencies to connect with local communities and listen to their views and concerns on these issues.

The Elders and members of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community spoke with Elizabeth and other key stakeholders on some issues affecting child protection, in particular the need to create safer environments for children.

Elders and the local community were particularly interested in learning more about blue card system requirements, including practical advice relating to application and submission processes. Elizabeth described the blue card system as providing strong prevention and monitoring activities that minimise the risks of harm to children and young people receiving services which contribute to their wellbeing and development. The system comprehensively assesses and then regularly monitors the eligibility of people seeking to work with children in regulated employment.

Elizabeth received a round of applause from attendees at the forum, acknowledging the importance of ensuring blue card information was readily accessible to people and the contribution that building this knowledge in the community had to achieving better outcomes for children. It was agreed that blue card information sessions would be run for the Inala community following discussions with Elders on the best timing for these to occur.

Last Updated: August 16, 2011

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