What could the future of child protection be?

Since the introduction of the (currently voluntary) ACECQA's new National Model Code and Guidelines beginning 1 July 2024, many have been considering what future changes could early childhood education and care services expect in the future (including a possible new future mandatory framework).

ACA NSW is seeking feedback and input from ACA NSW members about the issues that services face with respect to child safety and protection, including:

1. the reporting within 24 hours with sufficient detail anticipated of the regulators (see Regulation 87(4) and Regulation 176(2)(a)(ii));
2. the potential for over-reporting;
3. the corresponding regulatory workload on educators/teachers;
4. the consistency/lack of consistency of expectations for reporting;
5. the degree of prescriptiveness in future changes (including legislation);
6. the level of strength of data protection of storing children's records;
7. the ability to address cybersecurity risks to protect children's information;
8. the adequacy of whistleblower laws to protect educators/teachers/etc (including alternate official reporting pathways); and
9. the role of services with respect to children's online safety.

These also against the backdrop of ACECQA's information sheet suggesting that relevant records must be kept for at least 45 years.

Moreover, ACA NSW is equally interested in the necessary safeguards to ensure that innocent individuals are not falsely accused and consistently afforded the presumption of innocence until legally proven guilty.

ACA NSW welcomes and would greatly appreciate members' input by contacting the ACA NSW team via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au. 

PUBLISHED: 29 AUGUST 2024