The Limits of Working with Children Cards in Protecting Children
In 2006 Western Australia passed legislation that introduced a system to check criminalrecords and issue permits to those who wish to work with children. In 2007, thelegislation was described by the minister responsible as a ‘‘powerful system that wouldprevent harm to children’’. This paper explores...
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| Format: | Journal Article |
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Routledge
2009
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/44629 |
| Summary: | In 2006 Western Australia passed legislation that introduced a system to check criminalrecords and issue permits to those who wish to work with children. In 2007, thelegislation was described by the minister responsible as a ‘‘powerful system that wouldprevent harm to children’’. This paper explores that system and identifies limits to itseffectiveness. The paper concluded that unless the system’s limits are fully appreciatedthere is a possibility of a paradoxical outcome, whereby children’s lives will be less safe. Italso raises the question of whether in the area of record checking a national approach is not preferable to each state and territory developing its own system. |
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