DOCUMENTING AND REPORTING
When using photographs follow these guidelines:
- Date and time stamp – where possible use a camera with date and time stamp correctly set.
- Document and file –record details of the photos in written documents and store safely.
- Should clearly identify the child – ensure photograph clearly identifies the child.
- Manage appropriately – only taken and used for Child Protection purposes and not provided to anyone other than authorities if required.
WARNING - as a general rule, taking photos of a child should be something done only after careful consideration of all the circumstances. If taking the photo is going to upset the child, alarm the child, include indecent or rude parts of the body, or pose any risk at all to the emotional, psychological or physical wellbeing of a child - then we don't recommend it.
Don't forget the NEW National Model Code for Taking Images or Videos of Children while Providing Early Childhood Education and Care covered in the previous module.
As with all documenting and recording of information – you will need to check with your Coordinator about policies and procedures on privacy and confidentiality and taking of photographs.
But generally speaking, there is nothing wrong with you taking photographs of a child’s injuries for the purposes of documenting concerns and protecting yourselves and others from unwanted allegations. Make sure where possible you use a camera with date and time stamp correctly set. Record details of the photos in your written document so if necessary others will know there are photographs on file even if you’re not around.
The photographs should clearly identify which child is in the photo so if the injury is not on the face or neck, then you need to take a head shot to identify the child.
The most important thing about photos for you is how you manage and use them. It is not appropriate for you to use them for any purpose other than Child Protection to provide to authorities in the event a formal report is made.
Be appropriate – if the injuries are on the bottom then only expose as much of the bottom as is necessary to take the photo. Don’t take photos if you feel this would upset or further traumatise a child. After filing you should delete the photos from the camera to ensure confidentiality.
TAKING IMAGES OR VIDEOS OF CHILDREN WHILE PROVIDING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE