❓ Question regarding the number of foster carers registered with the Department for Child Protection and Family Support and how many lack valid Working With Children (WWC) cards. The answer provides figures and explains the circumstances surrounding carers without valid cards, including policy exceptions and potential reasons for delays.
AnsweredQoN 3147Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to foster carers engaged by the Department for Child Protection and Family Support as at 30 April 2015, and I ask: (a) how many foster carer were registered with the department; and (b) how many foster carers did not have either a valid working with children card or an application in process?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
11 August 2015
Responded by
Minister for Child Protection
Response time
91 days
As at 1 April 2015, there were:
(a) 2,469 foster carers approved by the Department for Child Protection and Family Support (the Department).
(b) 110 foster carers with children placed that do not have a valid working with children card or an application in process.
Other comments:
Of the 110 foster carers recorded as not holding a valid working with children (WWC) card, 104 previously had a WWC card issued, but had not yet reapplied for a new card upon the expiry of the existing card. The remaining six, which are all relative carers were yet to apply for a a WWC check.
Department policy allows a child to be placed, in urgent circumstances, with a relative or significant other carer without that carer holding a valid WWC card. In this instance, the carer and all adults in the household must complete and sign a statutory declaration and a record check consent formbefore the child is placed and apply for a WWC card as soon as possible (within 5 days of the child being placed).
Importantly, where there has been a delay in foster carers re-applying for a new WWC card, the Department still has the assurance that there is nothing in the carer's behaviour prior to obtaining the check that precluded the WWC Screening Unit from issuing the original card. There are processes in place for the WWC Screening Unit to be notified of relevant charges or convictions during the life of the card that would cause the WWC Screening Unit to take action.
A number of factors could account for why records indicate that some foster carers may not have a current WWC card or an application in process, including:
· difficulties with the requirements of the application or re-application process, such as access to post offices and delays with respect to receipt of mail and sourcing photographic identification; particularly in remote and regional communities; and
· a time lag between when the foster carer submits their WWC application and when this is inputted into the Department's record keeping systems, data entry error or the carer being on holiday when their card expires.
The Department takes its compliance with the WWC card policy very seriously, providing system generated reminders to carers and staff, quarterly and monthly reports to the executive and district management teams to facilitate monitoring and active follow up.
(a) 2,469 foster carers approved by the Department for Child Protection and Family Support (the Department).
(b) 110 foster carers with children placed that do not have a valid working with children card or an application in process.
Other comments:
Of the 110 foster carers recorded as not holding a valid working with children (WWC) card, 104 previously had a WWC card issued, but had not yet reapplied for a new card upon the expiry of the existing card. The remaining six, which are all relative carers were yet to apply for a a WWC check.
Department policy allows a child to be placed, in urgent circumstances, with a relative or significant other carer without that carer holding a valid WWC card. In this instance, the carer and all adults in the household must complete and sign a statutory declaration and a record check consent formbefore the child is placed and apply for a WWC card as soon as possible (within 5 days of the child being placed).
Importantly, where there has been a delay in foster carers re-applying for a new WWC card, the Department still has the assurance that there is nothing in the carer's behaviour prior to obtaining the check that precluded the WWC Screening Unit from issuing the original card. There are processes in place for the WWC Screening Unit to be notified of relevant charges or convictions during the life of the card that would cause the WWC Screening Unit to take action.
A number of factors could account for why records indicate that some foster carers may not have a current WWC card or an application in process, including:
· difficulties with the requirements of the application or re-application process, such as access to post offices and delays with respect to receipt of mail and sourcing photographic identification; particularly in remote and regional communities; and
· a time lag between when the foster carer submits their WWC application and when this is inputted into the Department's record keeping systems, data entry error or the carer being on holiday when their card expires.
The Department takes its compliance with the WWC card policy very seriously, providing system generated reminders to carers and staff, quarterly and monthly reports to the executive and district management teams to facilitate monitoring and active follow up.
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