Youth and Child Protection

Child protection must be foremost in our consideration. It is essential that we be aware of our responsibilities under State and Federal law. Holding a Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card is a legal requirement of the State Government for those working with children.

Rotary District 9830 believe at least Club Presidents, Secretary, Club Protection Officer and Youth Service Director should hold a card.

The District strongly recommends that new members possess a WWVP card.

Our District Policy is

1. That each Club nominate a Club Protection Officer who will advise the District Protection Officer of the details of every Club member who has obtained a WWVP card.

2. In each Club, the President, Secretary, Youth Services Director and Protection Officer and any members who deal with children, in circumstances other than in a large group, should have a WWVP card.

Such measures are needed to ensure we meet our legal obligations and to maintain the public standing of Rotary.

District Protection Officer: PP Ross Hart Launceston

All Clubs should appoint a Club Protection Officer

Their responsibilities are

• Collect the names and card numbers of club members having Working with Vulnerable People cards and forward these to District Protection Officer

• Ensure Club is registered as an Employer for each member on Department of Justice Website.

Obtaining a Working with Vulnerable People card

To apply for a Working with Vulnerable People Registration, you need to:

• complete the online application form on the Department of Justice website

• print the ‘Application Receipt’ which will be generated when you complete the application or write down your reference number

To complete the process you must attend a Service Tasmania Shop to:

• verify your identity.

• have your photo taken

• pay the application fee. Volunteer Registration the fee is $18.60

Insurance

Any Rotarian or Rotary volunteer, who is not certified, in the event of litigation, is not insured. This means that the District will not have claim to the National Insurance policy, and your Club will be liable for the $25,000 excess, not District 9830.

The information is sent to the District Protection Officer. They are the only person privy to WWVP information. They will approve the record and hold a record of those holding WWVP cards.
People who choose not to have a WWVP card are still entitled to remain a Rotarian, but must not have any direct contact with any person under the age of 18 years, exchange team members, the disabled, elderly or any other vulnerable people.