Child Protection
Playgroup WA recognises that the care and protection of children requires a “whole of community” approach. When their safety is at risk, children rely on responsible adults to act protectively on their behalf. They cannot protect themselves.
If you have a concern about the safety of a child, contact the Department of Communities - Child Protection and Family Support. Go to their website for information on making a report: www.dcp.wa.gov.au
Playgroup WA will notify the Department for Child Protection and Family Support if it is concerned that a child has been harmed or at risk of harm.
Working with Children Checks
You don’t need to have a Working with Children Check if you are attending playgroup sessions with your child or children. If your playgroup employs staff or subcontractors, you must ensure they comply with the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 by asking to see a copy of their Working with Children (WWC) Check. Volunteers who regularly attend playgroup without children need to have a Volunteer Working with Children Check. For more information on the WWC Check and employers’ obligations, contact the Working with Children Screening Unit on:
Telephone: 08 6217 8100
Freecall: 1800 883 979.
https://workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au
Child Safe Organisations requirements
Organisations receiving government funding may also be required to develop additional policies and procedures to comply with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. Further information about this can be found on the following websites:
https://childsafe.humanrights.gov.au/