Working With Minors in Australia: Consent, Confidentiality & WWCC/Blue Cards

Last updated: 23 September 2025

 

Caring for children and teens comes with extra legal and ethical responsibilities. Whether you’re a naturopath, nutritionist, massage or myotherapy practitioner, acupuncturist/TCM clinician, reflexologist, shiatsu or kinesiology practitioner, or yoga therapist—the same core questions pop up: who can consent, what can I share with parents, do I need a Working With Children Check, and does telehealth change anything? Let’s walk through the essentials.

 

Consent: who can say “yes” to care?

You must have valid, informed consent before treating any client. For children, consent usually comes from a parent or legal guardian. However, Australian courts recognise the “mature minor” principle (from Gillick): if a young person can understand the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives of the treatment, they may consent in their own right.

In practice: explain the plan in age-appropriate language, check understanding, and document who consented and why (e.g., parent/guardian vs mature minor). If you judge a teen to be a mature minor, note the assessment (comprehension, voluntariness, and capacity).

 

Confidentiality: what can (and can’t) be shared?

Parents/guardians typically have access to a child’s health information. But if a young person is a mature minor, they may request confidentiality. Your job is to balance the child’s privacy with safety and any legal obligations.

In practice: set expectations at the first visit—what you’ll share, what you won’t, and the safety exceptions (risk of harm to self/others, abuse, etc.). Record any confidentiality decisions clearly in the notes.

 

Do I need a Working With Children Check (WWCC/Blue Card)?

Short answer: If you provide regular, structured services to under-18s—assume yes. This applies in person and online.

Online & telehealth: Some jurisdictions (e.g., WA) explicitly treat electronic communication as “contact.” The safest, most consistent approach nationally: if you regularly treat or coach minors online, hold the clearance for the state/territory where the child is located.

Current validity at a glance:
• NSW – Working With Children Check: 5 years + continuous monitoring (employers must verify before work starts).
• VIC – Working With Children Check: 5 years.
• QLD – Blue Card: 3 years; organisations must link each worker before they start (No Card. No Link. No Start.).
• WA – WWC Check: 3 years (includes electronic contact).
• SA – WWC Check: 5 years.
• TAS – Registration to Work With Vulnerable People: 5 years.
• ACT – Working With Vulnerable People: 3 years.
• NT – Ochre Card: 2 years.

Crossing borders (including telehealth): There is no general cross-recognition between states/territories. If you see children across borders, hold the clearance for each relevant jurisdiction (where the child is—and, if different, where you practise).

When a check may not be required: If your practice is strictly adults-only, you have no contact with under-18s (including online), and you run no child-facing programs, a check may not be needed. Always confirm locally.

 

Clinic owners & supervisors: simple governance that works

Have a one-page SOP that covers: who needs a check, how you verify (and in QLD, how you link workers), what you record (number, expiry, verification date), and what you’ll do if a status changes. Verify before anyone starts child-related work and keep a renewal calendar.

 

Mandatory reporting: know your threshold

Some practitioners are mandated reporters, and the threshold for “reasonable belief” or “significant harm” varies by jurisdiction. If you’re worried about a child’s safety, act promptly, follow your state pathway, and document what you did and why.

 

Presence of a parent/guardian

It’s not always legally required, but it’s often prudent for younger children. For teens assessed as mature minors, decide case-by-case and document. For telehealth, set clear ground rules (camera on, parent available if needed, no recording).

 

“Evergreen” reforms note

Governments are progressing national improvements to WWCC systems (better information-sharing and recognition of certain adverse decisions). Until those changes are implemented and operational, state/territory rules continue to apply. The guidance above reflects current law and shouldn’t need updating unless an official change is announced.

 

Quick wrap-up

• Consent: parent/guardian or mature minor; document your assessment.
  • Confidentiality: set expectations early; protect privacy within safety and legal limits.
  • WWCC/Blue Card: assume you need it for regular work with under-18s, including telehealth; hold the clearance where the child is; verify/link workers and keep records.
  • Reporting & safety: know your local obligations; when in doubt about risk, act and document.

 

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information for Australian health and wellness practitioners and is not legal advice. Requirements vary by state/territory and can change- please verify with your local regulator and seek independent legal advice if needed. Legally Healthy is a template provider and does not offer legal services.