Child Safety and Personal History Screening (Licensing Care Services 2 (LCS2)) screening Information Guide

The purpose of this guide is to inform all students undertaking the Certificate IV in Youth Work Qualification with Strategix, about the Child Safety and Personal History Screening (Licensing Care Services 2 (LCS2)) screening requirement that may apply to them when choosing an organisation to undertake vocational placement with.

What is a Child Safety and Personal History Screening (LCS2) screening?

A Child Safety and Personal History Screening (known as an LCS2 check) is a comprehensive background check used in Queensland, Australia, to determine if a person is suitable to work or volunteer in a licensed care service.

Certain organisations use this screening tool to ensure that their staff meet the legal requirements under the Child Protection Act 1999 and Child Protection Regulation 2023.

Do I need to apply for a Child Safety and Personal History Screening (LCS2)?

Students only need to complete an LCS2 screening if their selected vocational placement organisation requires them to do so. The organisation will determine whether you need to undergo this screening and will usually provide instructions or begin the process with you.

When you are considering placement at an organisation, ask the question:

"Does this placement require an LCS2 Child Safety and Personal History Screening, and if so, what do I need to do?"

How do I apply for a Child Safety and Personal History Screening (LCS2) screening?

Before applying for the LCS2 screening, contact your chosen organisation and ask what process they require you to follow.

If the organisation is registered for online applications, they may request that you complete the application online. However, if they are not registered for online applications, you may need to complete the required LCS form 2.

If you are unsure of the process, please contact your chosen organisation.

How long does the process take?

There is no guaranteed processing timeframe. Depending on the application and any additional checks required, processing can take several weeks or longer.

This may delay the start of your placement if the organisation requires the LCS2 to be approved before you can commence placement hours.

For this reason, it is important to confirm screening requirements as early as possible and do not leave placement arrangements until the last minute.

What do I need to do?

If you are organising your own placement:

• Select the organisation that you would like to undertake your vocational placement with

• Reach out to the organisation as soon as possible and ask them whether you will be required to undertake an LCS2 screening

• Follow the organisation’s specific instructions in applying for the LCS2 screening (if applicable)

• Ensure you have a current Blue Card

• Ensure you have allowed sufficient time for processing.

Important Notes

It is important that you:

• Do NOT assume that you are able to commence your vocational placement without receiving your LCS2 screening result. This is determined by the specific organisation, and you are encouraged to contact them directly to understand their specific requirements

• Notify your trainer/assessor immediately if you are aware that your vocational placement may be delayed due to the LCS2 screening requirement.

If you are unsure about the requirements of a particular organisation, or you would like to discuss this process in more detail, please speak with your Trainer/Assessor before confirming your placement.

For more information on the Child Safety and Personal History Screening (LCS2), please visit the Queensland governments website.