Victoria's Reportable Conduct Scheme

 

Victoria has Reportable Conduct Scheme which is overseen by the Victorian Commissioner for Children and Young People (CCYP). 

 

What type of conduct is reportable?

There are five types of ‘reportable conduct’:

• sexual offences committed against, with or in the presence of a child

• sexual misconduct committed against, with or in the presence of a child

• physical violence against, with or in the presence of a child

• any behaviour that causes significant emotional or psychological harm to a child

• significant neglect of a child.

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The scheme imposes obligations on the ‘head’ of organisations.

 

Who is the head of my organisation?

Depending on the structure of your organisation, the ‘head’ of your organisation may be:

• the chief executive officer

• the Secretary, if your organisation is a Victorian Government Department

• the principal officer of your organisation.

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Importantly, the scheme will require organisation heads to:

• respond to a reportable allegation made against a worker or volunteer from their organisation, by ensuring that allegations are appropriately investigated

• report allegations which may involve criminal conduct to the police

• notify CCYP of allegations within three business days after becoming aware of the allegation

• give CCYP certain detailed information about the allegation within 30 days after becoming aware of the allegation

• after the investigation has concluded, give CCYP certain information including a copy of the findings of the investigation

• ensure that their organisation has systems in place to:

  • prevent reportable conduct from being committed by a worker or volunteer within the course of their employment

  • enable any person to notify the head of a reportable allegation

  • enable any person to notify CCYP of a reportable allegation involving the head

  • investigate and respond to a reportable allegation against a worker of volunteer from that organisation.

Who does this apply to?

Reportable conduct applies to the following people associated with an organisation in scope:

• employees

• volunteers

• contractors

• office holders

• ministers of religion

• officers of a religious body.

It relates to allegation about a person who is 18 years or older.

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The scheme will apply to:

• government and non-government schools

• registered or accredited senior secondary education and training organisations

• approved providers of courses to students from overseas

• overseas student exchange organisations

• disability service providers that provide residential services for children with a disability

• mental health service providers with in-patient beds

• State Government funded drug or alcohol treatment services with in-patient beds

• State Government funded housing services or other assistance to homeless persons that provide overnight beds for children and young people

• out-of-home care services

• Victorian Government Departments.

• Religious organisations

• organisations that operate a residential facility for a boarding school

• organisations that provide overnight camps for children as part of its primary activity (except certain youth organisations)

• public, denominational and private hospitals

• certain other disability service providers, including those registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

• approved education and care services (e.g.: kindergartens, after hours care services)

• children’s services (e.g.: occasional care providers).

 

Reportable Conduct Scheme are how Child Safety  is now monitored and measured in our community.  Most States and Territories in Australia has it's own Reportable Conduct Scheme for Organisation.

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Victoria's Reportable Conduct Scheme - CCYP | Reportable Conduct Scheme

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NSW's Reportable Conduct Scheme - Reportable Conduct Scheme | Office of the Children's Guardian (nsw.gov.au)

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ACT Reportable Conduct Scheme - RCS-An-introduction-to-the-ACT-Reportable-Conduct-Scheme-A488762.pdf

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Queensland Reportable Conduct Scheme - Queensland: A Reportable Conduct Scheme Issues Paper 10 March 2017 (premiers.qld.gov.au)

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