Blue cards for working in shelters

Whether a blue or exemption card is required to work or volunteer within a shelter will depend on the environment and the services and activities provided.

Scenario	Blue card requirement
I run a business and provide sporting activities for the children of the adults in the shelter.	Yes, a blue card is required under the Sport and active recreation category of regulated business.
I work as an administrator and my role includes being the first aid officer, where I provide first aid to anyone using the services at the shelter, including children.	Yes, a blue card is required under the Health, counselling and support services category of regulated employment.
I volunteer my time doing arts and craft with the children at the shelter. Their parents are not present for these activities.	Yes, a blue card is required under the Sport and active recreation or the Churches, clubs and associations categories of regulated employment depending on your organisation and activities performed.
I am employed to deliver a trauma program to children of the adult women and men in the shelter.	Yes, a blue card is required under the Health, counselling and support services category of regulated employment.
I am employed to care for the children of the adult women and men in the shelter while they attend appointments / support groups.	Yes, a blue card is required under the  Childcare services category of regulated employment.
I am a Queensland registered teacher who is paid to provide tutoring to the children of the adult women and men in the shelter.	Yes, an exemption card is required under the Private teaching, coaching or tutoring category of regulated employment.

Youth or children shelters

If the shelter’s main purpose is to accommodate children—such as a youth shelter or a safe house—anyone working in that facility will need a blue card under the Residential facilities category of regulated employment.

A child is any person under the age of 18.

Shelter type	Scenario	Blue card requirement
Child Safety accommodation service	I am employed as a cleaner at an accommodation facility for children waiting to be placed in foster care, but I do not provide direct services to the children.	Yes, a blue card is required under the Residential facilities category of regulated employment.
Safe house	I am a contractor who conducts repairs and maintenance within a safe house for children.	Yes, a blue card is required under the Residential facilities category of regulated employment.

More information

• Executive officers and board or committee members of a regulated child-related organisation require a blue card.
• Understand linking requirements for organisations.
• Check when you don’t need a blue card
• Who cannot apply for or hold a blue card
• Learn how to apply for a blue or exemption card.