How are the Standards regulated
Our functions and powers are defined by the law, including what we can and can’t do as the regulator of the Child Safe Organisations system.
While our focus is on working cooperatively with organisations to help them comply, we do have enforcement powers under the law that allow us to act if organisations are not meeting their obligations.
For organisations not complying with the Child Safe Standards:
- we can direct them to conduct self-assessments of their child safe practices
- we can issue compliance notices, which require organisations to take corrective action within a specific timeframe to meet the standards
- we can accept enforceable undertakings, which are legally binding written agreements from an organisation committing to take corrective action within a specific timeframe to meet the standards
- we can publish the details of organisations who are in breach of a compliance notice or enforceable undertaking – see the registers below
- we can ask a court to issue a fine to an organisation who has not complied with an enforceable undertaking or a compliance notice.
If you have concerns about an organisation not meeting the Child Safe Standards, you can report it to us at or call us on (07) 3900 6000.
You don’t need to have all the details — if something doesn’t appear to be right, it’s okay to ask questions or raise a concern. It’s always better to act early than stay silent, and every piece of information helps us build a picture of where risk is highest and intervention may be required.
We can’t investigate matters relating to individual cases managed by the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety. These matters need to be reported through the department’s complaints process.
If you believe your child is in immediate danger or a life-threatening situation, call emergency services on triple zero – 000.
If you suspect a child in Queensland is experiencing harm or neglect, please contact the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety.
Is there a register of child safe organisations?
No, there is no register of organisations who are or should be complying with obligations under the Act.
Do I need to lodge any paperwork from my organisation to show we are child safe?
The only time you need to provide us with paperwork or information is in response to a request from us, as part of our regulatory operations.
If we haven't asked you to provide information, you are not required to proactively submit anything to us.
Can an organisation be audited against the Child Safe Standards?
Yes. As the regulator we are able to direct you to conduct a self-assessment, and/or request evidence to show you are complying with your obligations – for example, that you have specific policies and procedures in place – but only if we review your organisation’s assessment. Not every organisation that needs to comply with the Standards will be reviewed.