Key information
This training provides DECYP workers with practical information about how to safeguard children and young people from harm. This includes when and how to report concerns and information about child abuse.
DECYP employees and relief staff must complete the following training modules each year:
- Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Training.
- Mandatory Reporting Training.
Employees and relief staff must also acknowledge they have read and understood DECYP’s Conduct and Behaviour Policy and Conduct Standards for workers.
Volunteers and all other non-DECYP employed workers must complete the Your Obligations – Safeguarding Training 15-minute video each year.
- Contact the Office of Safeguarding Children and Young People via safeguarding@decyp.tas.gov.au.
- For information about DECYP’s RWVP requirements, visit the Registration to Work with Vulnerable People Policy.
Training access
Learn more about your requirements, and access the training below:
Workers
Workers refers to any individual engaged by the department and over the age of 18 years. This includes:
- Employees
- Volunteers
- Trainers
- Students or trainees on work placement
- Contractors and sub-contractors
Parents and caregivers
Parents and caregivers do not need to complete the safeguarding training. This includes when visiting a DECYP with or without their children. Reasons for visiting a DECYP site might include:
- CFLC programs
- LiL sessions
- Re-entry meetings with their children
- Accompanying their own children to the classroom
- Attending school events such as assemblies, athletics carnivals, or drama productions
Parents and caregivers that are volunteering in any capacity must complete the Safeguarding Training and hold a current RWVP. For more information, visit Safeguarding for volunteers and external service providers.
Safeguarding training
DECYP employees and relief staff must complete the following compulsory online training modules each year:
- Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Training
- Mandatory Reporting Training
Alongside this training, employees are required to acknowledge that they have read and understood the DECYP Conduct and Behaviour Policy and Conduct Standards for workers.
Volunteers and all other non-DECYP employed workers must complete the Your Obligations – Safeguarding Training 15-minute video each year before engaging with children and young people.
For more information on training requirements and to access the training visit the Safeguarding Training webpage.
Working with Vulnerable People
DECYP requires all workers over 16 years* to hold current Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) before they begin work. This includes volunteers, relief staff and service providers.
For more information on RWVP requirements at DECYP, see the Pre Engagement Screening policies and procedures.
*Anyone that is 16 years of age or over and fits the RWVP requirements outlined on the Justice website.
Training support
Talk to your manager/DECYP contact officer if you need support to complete the Safeguarding Training. Support might include access to a device or the to internet.
For further advice, you and/or your manager can contact the Office of Safeguarding Children and Young People on safeguarding@decyp.tas.gov.au.
Exemptions
If you are concerned about undertaking the training, talk to your manager/contact officer or the Office of Safeguarding Children and Young People. You will not be required to provide details about your experiences.
To seek an exemption, you or your manager must contact the Office of Safeguarding Children and Young People. The Office will also help you and/or your manager work out how best to receive the training’s key messages in a way that supports your wellbeing.
Contact the Office on safeguarding@decyp.tas.gov.au.
Advice for DECYP managers
Managers are responsible for making sure all workers are meeting safeguarding expectations. DECYP managers might include the following:
- Principals
- Centre Leaders
- Contact officers
- Team managers
It is up to business units to establish processes to complete checks on workers. Checks include:
- Making sure workers have completed their Safeguarding Training
- Sighting and verifying their RWVP
- Signing into kiosks or manual records
Checks must be completed before attending worksites and engaging with children and young people.
Alternative delivery options
If a group of workers are unable to access/complete the online training on their own, you could consider running a group session.
You’ll need to contact the Office of Safeguarding Children and Young People before you make any arrangements. They will give you advice, including about the required documentation you will need to support alternative delivery methods.
Contact them via safeguarding@decyp.tas.gov.au.
Other Safeguarding certificates
All employees and relief staff must complete the DECYP Mandatory Reporting Training and Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Training each year. No other training participation will be accepted.
For other workers – DECYP will recognise Safeguarding Training certificates from:
- the Tasmanian Department of Health (DoH)/Tasmanian Health Service (THS), or
- Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF).
Workers seeking to have their training recognised should provide their certificate to their manager/DECYP contact officer. These workers are also encouraged to undertake DECYP’s training.