Prior to commencing paid or volunteer ministry with children an individual must have a positive Working With Children Check (WWCC). For Queensland this is a positive Blue Card notice or Blue Card Exemption Card (police and teachers.) In Queensland, Restricted Persons are unable to work with children. If someone is a Restricted Person, this can be declared on the PresSafe Agreement form and they will not be able. to proceed with the PresSafe Selection Process.
Please allow time for applications to be processed before an individual can commence their role in a ministry. As an example, Queensland Blue Card Services suggest that it may take 28 days to process an application, but it can take longer.
Also be aware that anyone applying for a Blue Card must be warned that they commit an offence by applying for a Blue Card if they are a Restricted person (Disqualified or Relevant Disqualified)
If an individual is not able to supply a positive Working With Children Check, they must complete a Federal Police Check to indicate their suitability to work with children.
The Minister as Moderator of the Charge is required to hold a WWCC by virtue of Church Rules. Elders and Committee of Management members must also all have a current positive WWCC. Under the legislation, Elders and Committee of Management members are deemed to be managers overseeing the provision of services to children. An Elder cannot be ordained and take up office until he has completed a Working With Children Check and the requirements for training. Likewise, a member of the Committee of Management cannot act as a manager until these requirements are fulfilled.
Session can assign a delegate who is responsible for managing the Working With Children Checks within the charge. If not, the responsibility will remain with Session Clerk to ensure this occurs.
Parent Working With Children Check
Within Queensland, where a volunteer parent is involved in the delivery of a ministry program which involves their child, that parent is exempt from Blue Card under Queensland legislation. HOWEVER, the Presbyterian Church of Queensland requires volunteer parents to have a positive Blue Card notice or, alternately, if exempt, a positive Australian Federal Police Check, as part of completing the PresSafe Selection Process.
Working With Children Check- Less than 7 days in a calendar year
If an individual is involved with a children’s ministry program for less than 7 days in a calendar year, Queensland legislation does not require them to have a positive Blue Card notice. HOWEVER, the Presbyterian Church of Queensland requires them to supply their WWCC information from the state in which they reside OR complete an Australian Federal Police Check, as part of the PresSafe Selection Process.
Other Queensland Blue Card Exemptions
Registered teachers and police officers, although exempt from requiring a Blue Card as part of their professional duties, must however hold a Blue Card Exemption Card when providing child-related services within the church.
Under 18 Helpers
All persons under the age of 18 who are helpers of children’s and youth activities within the PCQ are ineligible for a Blue Card and are not required to complete an Australian Federal Police check. HOWEVER, they must have supervision from adults who have completed the PresSafe Selection Process.
Further Queensland Blue Card Clarification
Within Queensland, only those who provide services directed mainly towards children or who conduct activities mainly involving children are required to hold a Blue Card.
Federal Police Check
Within the PCQ, an individual who is unable to supply a positive Working With Children Check must undertake a Federal Police Check (FPC). A Federal Police Check must be completed within 3 months of a program start date and renewed annually or as a role changes. If they receive a positive National Police Certificate, this should be sighted, saved and the Client Number recorded in Elvanto. Please note that the FPC is not a free service and there will be a cost to attain this check. More information about this check can be found here: https://www.afp.gov.au/our-services/national-police-checks
Working With Children Checks In Other States Or Territories
Blue Card Services (Queensland)
Ochre Card (Northern Territory)
Screening Check (South Australia)
Working With Children Check (NSW)
Working With Children Check (Victoria)
Registration To Work With Vulnerable People (Tasmania)
Working With Children Check (Western Australia)