NSW child protection legislation

Prohibited Person Declaration and Screening

In accordance with NSW Child Protection legislation, students participating in practical training placements which require them to have direct contact with children under 18 in designated child-related employment areas are required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration form on enrolment, and each year in which they are enrolled as a student. In some circumstances students may also be subject to employment screening. Screening is carried out only with students' consent but eligibility for participation in such programs is determined on the basis of information obtained through these checks.

Education students

Prohibited Person Declaration and Working with Children Check

All students who participate in Practicum subjects conducted in schools or in similar organisations where work involves contact with children are required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration on enrolment and may be required to undergo employment screening.

Students participating in internship or associate teacher programs which require them to supervise students without the presence of a qualified teacher are subject to a Working with Children Check by the NSW Department of Education and Training.

Eligibility for participation in such programs is determined on the basis of these checks.

Working with Children Checks will be carried out only with a student's consent. Each student is also requested to complete a Consent to Employment Screening form. If a student refuses to consent to the checks, that student may be unable to complete the course requirements.

Nursing, Midwifery and Health students

Prohibited Person Declaration and Criminal Record Check

The NSW Department of Health has implemented policies and procedures whereby all health care workers who may be engaged in positions within departmental organisations must undergo a Criminal Record Check.

All Nursing students must complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration, undergo a Criminal Record Check and receive a NSW Health Department Clearance prior to undertaking a nursing practice or midwifery placement. The check is conducted by the NSW Police Service and coordinated by the NSW Health Department. A consent form authorising this check must be completed, signed and lodged with the Faculty. Any refusal by a student to undergo this check may result in the student being unable to complete the course requirements.

Clearances can be delayed for a number of reasons, particularly the incorrect completion of forms. Students should therefore ensure that forms are correctly completed. Students who have not received a clearance card from the NSW Health Department within four weeks of lodgment of forms or at least one week prior to the commencement of nursing or midwifery practice should advise the Faculty Student Office. Students must present the clearance card whenever attending a clinical placement.