Blue cards

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If you are a student who has to work with children or young people as part of your studies (eg in a field placement) you must obtain a Blue Card BEFORE you begin your placement. A Blue Card confirms that you have passed a screening of your criminal history
(the 'Working with Children Check') and have been approved to work with children and young people under 18 years of age.

The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian's screening function requires people who work with children (under 18 year of age) in particular categories of paid or voluntary employment or carrying on particular businesses to undergo screening through the 'Working with Children Check'.

If you are unsure about whether you will need a blue card , contact your faculty or school for advice.

For further information about Blue Cards for students please see:

Don't delay your application

The screening process may take some months to process due to the large number of applications being received by the Commission. It is important you identify whether you will need a Blue Card, and submit your application well before undertaking any field placements or practical units. You should allow at least 28 working days for processing of your completed Blue Card application.

How QUT students apply for a Blue Card

1. Download the application form and complete section B. It is important to state your full legal name, or the application cannot be processed.

International students should consult the blue card application guide for international students.

2. Lodge your form in person at any QUT Student Centre where QUT staff will complete sections A, C and D. Ensure you have the appropriate forms of identification as specified by the Commission so that Student Centre staff can verify your identity. You must have two original identification documents. One of these documents MUST be a signature document (see the application form for details).

3. The University will then forward the completed form to the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian for screening.

4. You will receive your Blue Card in the mail. You must produce this card to your host organisation prior to commencing field placement or practical units.

Special application arrangements

If you are unable to have your identification documents sighted by QUT staff, the Commission allows special application arrangements in very limited circumstances. These are:

• if your usual residence is more than 50km from QUT
• if you have a disability affecting your mobility.

In these special cases, a justice of the peace, a commissioner for declarations, a lawyer or a police officer may sight your identification documents. Send your application and certified documentation to:

Queensland University of Technology
Student Business Services
130 Victoria Park Road
Kelvin Grove Q 4059

It is most important that you do not unduly delay your application. If special circumstances might apply please contact QUT Information Services on 07 3138 2000, Monday-Friday between 8.30am-5pm for advice on the application process.

Further information on the application process is available from the Commission information sheet, 'How to apply for a Blue Card'.

What happens if my Blue Card is up for renewal?

The Commission will send you a renewal notice approximately eight weeks before the expiry date. If you are still a student who requires a Blue Card you should complete the renewal application and lodge it at a QUT Student Centre. Your renewal application will be processed by QUT in the same manner as a new application. You can continue to carry on a regulated activity after the expiry of your blue card, provided the card was not cancelled or suspended, and you lodge an application for renewal at least 30 days prior to the expiry of your card.

Current QUT students

QUT is now required to record Blue Card information for current students. Faculties have the responsibility of contacting you to give your Blue Card information to QUT. To do this, please complete the Authorisation to confirm a valid Blue Card form and present it, along with your Blue Card and Student ID Card, to the Student Centre on your campus.
Note: if you are unable to have your documents sighted by QUT staff, the Commission allows special arrangements in very limited circumstances. See 'Special application arrangements' above.

QUT students who have a Blue Card issued through another organisation/provider

If you have a Blue Card issued through another organisation/provider and are now a current QUT student enrolled in a unit which requires you to hold a Blue Card, you are required to provide these details to the Commission and to QUT. To do this, please complete the Authorisation to confirm a valid blue card form and present it, along with your Blue Card and Student ID Card, to the Student Centre on your campus. Note: if you are unable to have your documents sighted by QUT staff, the Commission allows special arrangements in very limited circumstances. See 'Special application arrangements' above.

Disqualified persons

Certain people are disqualified up front from applying for a Blue Card. It is an offence for a 'disqualified person' to apply for a Blue Card. Penalities of up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to $37,500 may apply if a 'disqualified person' signs a Blue Card application form.

For information regarding disqualifying offences, please telephone the Blue Card Contact Centre on 1800 113 611 or go to Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian.