NCJ Number
188429
Date Published
December 2000
Length
107 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of the Queensland Criminal Justice Commission's (Australia) review of the policies and procedures in place in Queensland to safeguard vulnerable youth from sexual misconduct by State school employees.
Abstract
During the course of the review, it was apparent that the vast majority of Education Queensland employees behaved honorably toward the students in their care and that a sizable proportion of those who were the subject of an allegation of sexual misconduct would be exonerated. Furthermore, Education Queensland was aware of its responsibilities in this area and had over the past few years implemented various strategies to reduce the risk of students being subjected to employee sexual misconduct. Most recently, on November 13, 2000, the Minister for Education announced the establishment of a task force to address the specific issue of "inappropriate relationships between teachers and other school employees and students." The task force focused on improving staff training in the areas of ethical behavior and appropriate conduct and reviewed the Education Department's Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, and investigation procedures. The review confirmed that some students had been subjected to inappropriate behavior by some employees. When it did occur, the consequences could be devastating for the students concerned. The Commission offered recommendations designed to increase protection of students from such sexual exploitation by improving the policies and management practices in the education system and in other organizations where employees were in close contact with children and youth. 29 references and appended key findings from the complaints sample, examples of relevant criminal offenses, and Education Queensland Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy