The legal context
See also: acu-rtt
Sixth module in the ACU Return to Teaching course. APSTs 3, 4 and 6
Protecting children#
Qld Child Protection act 1999 - 376 pages
Mandatory reporting#
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Harm | and negative effect of a significant nature on the child's physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing. How produced is immaterial |
| Abuse | Any act that endangers or impairs a child's physical or emotional health and development |
| Sexual abuse | Any jokes, conversation, acts of a sexual nature |
| Inappropriate behaviour | Any behaviour the child views as inappropriate speech or unnecessary contact - especially when familiar, length or uninvited |
| Physical abuse | Non-accidental injury to a child |
| Emotional abuse | Behaviour short of assualt that destroys the confidence of the child and results in significant emotional deprivation or trauma. Withholding praise and affection or constant yelling can be examples |
| Neglect | continued failure to provide a child with the basic necessities of life - food, clothing, shelter, medical attention, supervision, education and protection from harm |
Reporting abuse#
Most of the above a reportable offences. Proof is not required. Reasonable grounds (e.g. told about it happening, child or other; or, observation suggest)
Mandated reporters - certain professional - must report incidences of child abuse. Teachers are included
School is required to have a policy.
Duty of care#
Legal requirement that teachers take all reasonable steps to protect their students
Ethical frameworks#
QCT Code of Ethics#
- Integrity
- Dignity
- Responsibility
- Respect
- Justice
- Care
Professional Boundaries#
Teacher-student relationship is not equal. Teachers must be professional. No definitive source on where the boundary lies. But teacher power is misused in a way that compromises student welfare is a good indicator.
Workplace#
Overview of various bits of legislation, and QCT/QCA type information.
Discrimination#
Direct discrimination - treat someone less favourable due to an attribute of that person
Indirect discrimination - impose a condition/requirement that a person with an attribute (or a higher proportion of people with that attribute) cannot comply with