If a worker hurts you 

If a worker hurts you, you can tell someone about it. The organisation must look into what happened. The worker could lose their job or may be stopped from working with children. This is true even if what happened is not a crime.

This is part of the Reportable Conduct Scheme. This sheet explains who to tell and what happens next. 

What can I tell someone about? 

You can tell someone if a worker: 

• touches you in a sexual way, or talks to you about sex in a way that makes you uncomfortable 

• is cruel or unfair to you, including treating you badly because of your race or culture

• does not look after you properly, like not getting you medical help when you need it

• hurts you, or does something that makes you scared they will hurt you

• bullies you or makes you feel worthless, repeatedly

Sometimes one serious thing can count. Smaller things may also count if they happen more than once, form a pattern, or cause serious emotional or psychological harm over time.

What does not count? 

Some things are not covered by this rule. For example, a worker briefly raising their voice, a genuine accident, or the safe use of an approved safety plan.

Who can a report be about? 

A report can be about staff, volunteers, contractors, and people on work placements in an organisation. It also includes past workers of an organisation, if the behaviour happened while they still worked there.

This rule applies to many kinds of services or organisations, like schools, health services, disability services, and youth justice services.

Do I have to be sure before I tell someone? 

No. You do not need proof, and you do not need to be certain. If something feels wrong, that is enough reason to tell someone.

Who do I tell? 

• Tell a worker you trust, or the person in charge. 

• If the person in charge is the problem, you do not have to tell them. You can go straight to the Queensland Family and Child Commission instead.

• Anyone can tell someone for you. This can be a friend, a family member, or another worker. 

Will I be believed? 

Yes. You should be listened to and taken seriously, and something should be done to help.

What happens after I tell someone? 

It is the organisation's job to report this. By law, they must: 

• tell the Commission within 3 business days

• start looking into what happened straight away 

• give the Commission an update if the investigation isn’t finished within 30 business days

• send the Commission a final report once it's done

Will I be kept safe while this is happening? 

Yes. The organisation must act straight away to keep you and other children safe. This might mean moving the worker, changing their duties, or limiting their contact with children. This can happen before the investigation is finished. 

Will it be kept private? 

Yes. Your identity as the person who raised the concern is protected by law. Only the people who really need to know will be told. 

What if it might also be a crime? 

If it might be a crime, the police should be told straight away. This does not stop the Commission from also helping with your case. See our Police facts you need to know sheet for more information. 

Will I be told what happens? 

Usually, yes. You, or your parent or guardian, can be told how things are going and what was found. Sometimes this is delayed, but only if telling you would create a risk or get in the way of the investigation. 

What happens to the worker? 

There are four possible results once the investigation finishes:

• Substantiated — there is enough evidence to show that the conduct happened. 

• Unsubstantiated — not enough evidence to establish the conduct did happen. 

• No outcome — the organisation could not decide either way. 

• Outside the scheme — something happened, but it was not serious enough for the organisation to act under the Scheme. 

Even an unsubstantiated or no-outcome result is still recorded. It is not simply forgotten. 

How is this different from making a complaint? 

This rule works alongside other ways you can complain, not instead of them. You can still use other complaint processes, like the Ombudsman, at the same time. 

What if I am not happy with what happened? 

The Commission checks that the organisation handled your concern properly. It can ask questions or step in if something was not done right. You can also speak with YAC or another legal centre for advice. 

Remember 

• You do not need proof. If something feels wrong, tell someone. 

• If the problem is with the person in charge, go straight to the Commission. 

• If it might be a crime, the police should still be told. 

If you want to make a report about conduct by a YAC staff member, please use our contact page.