HOW WE KEEP ALL CHILDREN SAFE

In Victoria, any person who believes, on reasonable grounds, that a child has suffered, or is likely to suffer, significant harm as a result of physical injury or sexual abuse; needs protection from child abuse or neglect and the child's parents have not protected, or are unlikely to protect the child from harm of that type, must make a report to DHHS Child Protection. DHHS Child Protection will assess and, where necessary, investigate whether the child or young person is at risk of significant harm. DHHS Child Protection is part of the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. It provides child-centred, family-focused services to protect children and young people from significant harm caused by abuse or neglect within the family. It also aims to make sure that children and young people receive support to deal with the impact of abuse and neglect on their wellbeing and development. 

Child First or the Orange Door may be able to help families having difficulties. A referral to Child First or the Orange Door is appropriate if you have a significant concern for the wellbeing of a child, but do not believe they need protection from significant harm.

If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police on 000

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP FOR A CHILD

To report concerns that are life threatening or that are effecting the immediate safety of a child outside of normal business hours, you should contact the After Hours Child Protection Emergency Service on 13 12 78 or Victoria Police on 000.

POTENTIAL SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE

We can help to keep all children safe by being alert for the signs or indicators of harm and taking appropriate action early.

Pay attention to: 

• Physical signs of abuse or neglect– these could include bruises, burns, fractures (broken bones), frequent hunger, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or poor hygiene.
• Behavioural signs of abuse or neglect– these could include showing little or no emotion when hurt, wariness of their parents, alcohol or drug misuse, age-inappropriate sexual behaviour, stealing food, excessive friendliness to strangers or wearing long sleeves and trousers in hot weather (to hide bruises).
• Disclosure– if the child tells you they have been abused.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A MANDATED REPORTER

As mandated reporters, we are legally obliged to: 

• Contact Police on 000 and make a report to DHHS Child Protection if you believe on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection from physical injury or sexual abuse
• make the report as soon as practicable after forming your belief
• make a report each time you become aware of any further grounds for your belief

Keep in mind:

• you don’t have to prove that the abuse has occurred
• a belief is a belief on reasonable grounds if a reasonable person in your position would have formed the belief on those grounds
• grounds for a belief are matters of which you have become aware, and opinions based on those matters
• if you have formed the belief, you are obliged to make the report even if someone in a position of authority over you directs you not to make a report
• you are responsible for reporting your belief – it is not the responsibility of your boss, supervisor, principal or anyone else – however, if you honestly and reasonably believe all of the grounds for your belief have already been reported to Child Protection by someone else, this is a valid reason for you not to make the same report
• mandatory reporting requirements take precedence over professional codes of practice where confidentiality or client privilege would otherwise apply
• a report made in good faith does not constitute unprofessional conduct or a breach of professional ethics, nor does it subject the person to any liability, or contravene the confidentiality provisions in the legislation governing health and mental health services.

More information is available on the Department of Health and Human Services Mandatory reporting page.

CONTACTING CHILD PROTECTION

To report child abuse, contact the divisional Child Protection intake service

West Division Intake - metropolitan only - 1300 664 977

8:45am-5:00pm Monday - Friday

After hours Child Protection Emergency Service - 13 12 78

(5.00pm - 9.00am Monday - Friday, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays)

In Victoria, reports to child protection must be made to a protective intervener, or other appropriately delegated officer. Reports cannot be made via the department’s website or email, as staff who monitor the department’s website are not delegated officers.

HOW TO MAKE A REPORT

• Call the appropriate West Division intake – metropolitan number: 1300 664 977
• The Child Protection Intake worker will ask you for certain information, including: 
• details– the child’s or young person’s name, age and address
• indicators of harm– the reason for believing that the injury or behaviour is the result of abuse or neglect
• reason for reporting – the reason why the call is being made now
• safety assessment– assessment of immediate danger to the child or children. For example, information may be sought on the whereabouts of the alleged abuser or abusers
• description – description of the injury or behaviour observed
• child’s whereabouts– the current whereabouts of the child or young person
• other services– your knowledge of other services involved with the family
• family information – any other information about the family
• cultural characteristics – any specific cultural or other details that will help to care for the child, for example, cultural origins, interpreter or disability needs.

A report should still be made, even if you don’t have all the information listed above. The reporter’s identity is protected unless they provide written consent for it to be disclosed or it is required by order of the Court.

YOUR ONGOING ROLE WHEN MAKING A REPORT

When DHHS Child Protection becomes involved, this may provoke a crisis for the family. After making a report, some of your ongoing responsibilities can include: 

• acting as a support person for the child or young person during interviews
• attending a case conference
• participating in case planning meetings
• continuing to monitor the child’s or young person’s behaviour and circumstances for signs of reduced or increased risk
• providing written reports for case planning meetings or court proceedings
• helping families make the changes required to keep children safe.

CHILD FIRST OR ORANGE DOOR

Community-based family support services may be able to help if you have a significant concern for the wellbeing of a child, but do not believe they are in need of protection. If you feel that the immediate safety of the child is compromised, or if the family is experiencing difficulties a referral to Child FIRST or The Orange Door may be the most appropriate course of action.