From 1 May 2020, youth organisations that provide overnight camps for children as part of their primary activity will need to comply with the Reportable Conduct Scheme (the Scheme).
This includes the Girl Guides Association of Victoria and Scouts Victoria.
The heads of these organisations will have to notify the Commission of any allegation that a worker or volunteer in their organisation has committed reportable conduct within three business days of becoming aware of the allegation. The organisation must investigate the allegation and report its findings to the Commission. If the reportable allegation might include criminal conduct, the organisation must get Victoria Police approval before going ahead with an investigation.
These changes will extend the Commission’s oversight of organisations’ handling of allegations of child abuse or child-related misconduct to these new organisations. They will also make sure the Commission can refer workers or volunteers from these organisations who have been found to have engaged in reportable conduct against children to Working with Children Check Victoria so their suitability to work with children can be reassessed.
Read more information about reporting obligations
We have a range of supports available for organisations that need to comply with the Scheme.
You can also contact us directly for clarification and guidance. Due to the impact of COVID-19 the hours of operation of the Commission’s phone line (1300 78 29 78) have changed. Phones will be answered between 9.30am to 11.30am and 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Emails can be sent to contact@ccyp.vic.gov.au and will be answered as soon as possible. Please record in the subject line if your matter is urgent.
The Commission is moving its face-to-face delivery of information sessions to online webinars and will advise when they are available for registration via an EDM to our subscribers. You can subscribe for Commission updates here.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, obligations under both the Reportable Conduct Scheme and Child Safe Standards still apply. Organisations can contact us to discuss any specific issues about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including what an investigation might look like in these circumstances.