MASON’S LEGACY KEEPS KIDS SAFE
Tragedy of toddler’s murder leads to child protection law
REPORTS from childcare workers over potential child abuse have increased more than 20 per as carers embrace Mason’s Law even before it is officially enforced from July 1.
The Department of Child Safety has revealed that from January to March this year, the number of calls from childcare personnel to department staff had increased by 217 compared to the same period last year.
In addition, 3200 people have taken part in 100 faceto- face sessions and an online information session has been viewed more than 13,000 times as part of the rollout of the new mandatory child abuse reporting laws.
The online child protection guide is also already being used by early childhood education and care professionals, with more than 300 logins since March.
Under Mason’s Law, professionals working in the early childhood and education care sector will be required to report concerns they may hold about the safety and wellbeing of a child.
The legislation was passed by State Parliament last year and was prompted by a hardfought campaign by the grandparents of murdered Townsville toddler Mason Parker, John and Sue Sandeman, and recommendations made by Queensland’s Law Reform Commission.
Mason was 17 months old when he died in 2011 after he suffered a 17cm skull fracture, a ruptured bowel and had more than 50 bruises. Days before his death, childcare centre staff had photographed extensive bruising on his body but the injuries were not reported to authorities.
His mother’s boyfriend at the time, Troy William Reed, is serving a life sentence for Mason’s murder.
“Looking back on what happened to Mason it’s mind boggling. I don’t know how the hell we survived what we went through but we’ve done it so no one else has to go through it,” Mr Sandeman said.
“It’s been brilliant to see people already engaging with ( Mason’s Law) because it means the community is really getting involved.
“Kids can’t tell adults they’ve been hurt or who’s done it so we need these frontline people at daycare centres to keep an eye out.”
Miniversity early learning centre director Julie Kay said in addition to extensive staff training, her Mundingburra centre had already started documenting all evidence of children coming into care with any injures or illnesses.
“( If) a child that comes in who is unwell or has a notice- able injury, we have the parents fill out a form telling us how it happened,” she said.
“It covers us as well as highlights to parents that we are taking notice because we really care about our kids.”
Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman said Mason’s legacy has ensured childcare workers know who and when to call when they see or have concerns.
“All Queenslanders have a role to play in keeping Queensland’s children safe,” she said.
Anyone can report concerns by calling their local Child Safety Services intake service. In North Queensland, call 1300 706 147. All calls are confidential.