A Practical Guide to Implementing the QLD Child Safe Standards with ChildSafe’s Support
From October 2025, major reforms to child safety laws will take effect in Queensland. These reforms introduce Child Safe Standards and a reportable conduct scheme – a system designed to ensure every organisation working with children puts their safety first.
For many organisations, especially smaller or volunteer-run ones, these new QLD child safety standards may seem overwhelming. But you don’t have to go it alone. ChildSafe Australia is here to walk alongside you with practical tools, expert training, and proven frameworks that help make compliance achievable and meaningful.
What Are the 10 Child Safe Standards?
- Leadership and Culture – Embedding child safety in governance and organisational values.
- Children and Young People Are Empowered – Children are respected, listened to, and involved.
- Family and Community Engagement – Families and carers are part of the safety solution.
- Equity and Diversity – Culturally safe and inclusive environments for all children.
- People Working With Children Are Suitable and Supported -Recruitment, screening, and supervision of staff and volunteers.
- Processes to Respond to Complaints – Accessible, child-focused complaint systems.
- Staff Knowledge, Skills and Awareness – Ongoing training and professional development.
- Safe Environments – Online and physical spaces are safe and actively monitored.
- Continuous Improvement – Regular review and improvement of child safety practices.
- Policies and Procedures Support Child Safety – Clear documentation of expectations and actions.
A Universal Principle of Cultural Safety sits across all ten standards, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children feel culturally safe, included, and respected.
Key Dates for Compliance in Queensland
The Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 outlines a phased rollout for the QLD child safe standards:
- Phase 1 – From 1 October 2025:
– Child protection organisations
– Services for children with disability
– Youth detention or justice services
– Government departments (including councils and QPS) - Phase 2 – From 1 January 2026:
– Early learning centres, kindergartens and childminding services
– State and non-state schools, TAFEs, RTOs, universities
– Health, counselling and youth support services
– State-funded community organisations - Phase 3 – From 1 April 2026:
– Commercial services for children (gyms, play centres, tutoring, etc.)
– Religious organisations
– Sporting clubs and cultural or recreational associations
The reportable conduct scheme will begin 1 July 2026, introducing legal responsibilities to report, investigate and respond to allegations of harm involving staff or volunteers.
How Can Small Organisations With Limited Resources Implement the Child Safe Standards?
Small organisations – such as volunteer-run clubs, churches, or neighbourhood services – are often stretched for time and resources. That’s where ChildSafe’s practical tools and guidance can make all the difference.
Access Ready-Made Policy Templates
ChildSafe’s Standard Membership and Premium Subscription options include downloadable, customisable templates for:
- Child Safety Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Complaints and Reporting Policy
- Risk Management Framework
Engage in Child Safe Training QLD Services
We offer online and face-to-face training tailored to your team’s roles and responsibilities:
- Level 1 Training – Awareness for frontline staff and volunteers
- Level 2 Training – Equipping managers and coordinators
- Level 3 & 4 Training – Deep dives into governance, policy development, and risk management
Ongoing Support and Coaching
Our Partner Subscription includes hands-on implementation coaching and personalised support. We’ll help you:
- Map your current practices against the standards
- Prioritise next steps
- Train your team
- Build a sustainable, child-safe culture
Why These Laws Matter – and How ChildSafe Can Help
These new laws are not just about ticking boxes. They’re about creating environments where children and families feel genuinely safe, welcome, and heard. Strong child safety practices also build community trust and protect your staff and volunteers.
By working with ChildSafe Australia, you’re not just meeting your legal requirements – you’re becoming part of a movement to prevent child abuse QLD-wide, and actively protect the children in your care.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe for government resources, timelines, and tools.
Then, let’s chat about how ChildSafe can help your organisation succeed.
- Explore our membership options
- Book staff training in QLD
- Request a Child Safety Implementation Audit
- Download free resources
- Talk to a consultant
Learn more at www.childsafe.org.au
You don’t have to do this alone. With the right support, your organisation can meet the new QLD Child Safe Standards confidently – and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.
