ABC News Daily Why there’s no ‘silver bullet’ to make childcare safe
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Jul 2, 2025 Caroline Croser-Barlow, the CEO of The Front Project, advocates for improvements in early childhood education. She discusses the recent shocking allegations against a childcare worker, which have left families reeling and raised urgent questions about safety standards. The conversation delves into the need for comprehensive safety measures, including banning personal phones in childcare spaces. Croser-Barlow emphasizes the importance of fostering trust between parents and educators while addressing the systemic challenges facing Australia’s childcare industry.
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Emotional Impact of Abuse Case
- Caroline Croser-Barlow felt "punched in the stomach" on hearing about the abuse allegations in childcare.
- She expressed deep empathy for affected families and horrified educators working in the service.
Limits of Background Checks
- The Working with Children Check is a backward-looking screen that only flags people after prior incidents.
- It is important but not sufficient alone to guarantee child safety in care environments.
No Silver Bullet Solution
- No single policy can fix child safety issues in childcare; a multi-faceted approach is essential.
- Strengthening the system's "immune system" involves screening, culture, and ongoing quality improvements.