Following the death of Tiahleigh Palmer (When a child is missing: Remembering Tiahleigh – A report into Queensland’s children missing from out-of-home care), the Premier requested a comprehensive examination of the blue card and foster care services in Queensland.
Then Principal Commissioner Cheryl Vardon led an expert panel to deliver this review. The Commission was asked to pay particular attention to the use of, and reliance on, Working with Children Checks (blue cards) and other information in the assessment and approval process for foster carers in Queensland.
Queensland’s blue card system has always been one of the strongest in Australia.
The review found that while the blue card system is a strong foundation for creating safe environments for children, it could be stronger and more efficient. The Review of the blue card system report makes 81 recommendations that will introduce significant changes to the blue card system.
The recommendations are intended to strengthen and streamline the blue card system. They will also build capacity of, and support for, organisations and people involved in it. Ultimately, Queensland’s children will be safer doing activities that help them grow, learn and develop.
Strengthening capacity across Queensland’s Child Protection System report
Linda Apelt, a member of the expert panel, was asked to undertake a review of child safety services to determine whether it was operating effectively, and to determine any capacity issues or pressure points which may impact the safety needs of children in the child protection system.
The Strengthening capacity across Queensland’s Child Protection System report presents a six-point action plan focused on funding, staffing, court reforms, non-government services, collaboration and change management.