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Frequently Asked Questions
All our volunteers and paid staff have Blue Cards. Why do we need a Risk Management Strategy as well?
A blue card is only one element of an effective child protection strategy. Although it is a vital tool, it is no guarantee against future offending.
Parents, children and the community have a right to be confident that you, and anyone you employ to oversee child-related activities and services, is properly qualified, screened, selected and supervised.
They have a right to have a say in your policies and procedures for ensuring children are safe and cared for. They also have a right to make complaints if they have concerns. To meet these expectations, paid staff and volunteers need induction, training and support – not just a blue card.
‘Risk management’ describes the culture, processes and structures in place to manage adverse effects. A child-safe organisation looks at its business activities and identifies areas where harm might occur.
For example, an overnight camping trip can present risks - children could be sexually, physically or emotionally harmed by an adult staff member, an outsider, other young people or by themselves. Planning involves identifying and assessing these risks, then managing them through policies, and procedures, Codes of Conduct, training, permission forms and, ensuring the right people are in charge. Planning should also involve talking with children and young people about feeling and being safe, and seeking their views. Where appropriate, they should be involved in planning and review.
When this level of awareness becomes ingrained, organisations reduce risks to children, staff, volunteers and themselves.
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Last Updated: October 3, 2007
