Reporting abuse and neglect

If you require assistance or would like to talk to a trained professional about the issues described in this paper, please call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger call Police on 000.

This resource sheet provides information about how to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

In Australia, state and territory governments are responsible for receiving reports of suspected child abuse and neglect from members of the public. Anyone who suspects, on reasonable grounds, that a child or young person is at risk of being abused and/or neglected should report it to the authority in their state or territory.

Certain groups of people are required by law to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child. Further guidelines regarding mandatory reporting can be found in Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect.

Defining child maltreatment, abuse and neglect

Child abuse and neglect refers to any behaviour by parents, caregivers, other adults or older adolescents that is outside the norms of conduct and entails a substantial risk of causing physical or emotional harm to a child or young person. Such behaviours may be intentional or unintentional and can include acts of omission (i.e., neglect) and commission (i.e., abuse).

Child maltreatment is commonly divided into five subtypes:

physical abuse;
emotional maltreatment;
neglect;
sexual abuse; and
the witnessing of family violence.

For further information see What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

Contact details for each state and territory

Please note that you do not need to be absolutely certain that abuse or neglect of a child has occurred to call these authorities. If you suspect a child is at risk of harm, you may call the authority to discuss your concerns and they will decide whether an investigation is required.

Australian Capital Territory
Reporting authority	Further services / information	Contact details
Office for Children, Youth and Family Support Ph: 13 22 81	Child and Youth Protection Services is responsible for facilitating coordination across government for the care and protection of children and young people. If you are concerned about a child and want further information on mandatory reporting, refer to Keeping Children and Young People Safe (PDF 2.1 MB)	Mandated reporters Ph: 1300 556 728 Email: Child Protection Reports General public Ph: 1300 556 729

New South Wales
Reporting authority	Further services / information	Contact details
Department of Family and Community Services Ph: (02) 9716 2222	By law, Community Services must assess reports where a child or young person is or may be at risk of significant harm from abuse or neglect. Information about the process of reporting child welfare concerns in NSW can be found on the department’s Reporting Suspected Abuse or Neglect website. Resources for mandatory reporters	Child Protection Helpline Ph: 13 21 11 (TTY 1800 212 936) Non-imminent reports can also be made using eReporting For urgent reports, mandatory reporters should phone 13 36 27

Northern Territory
Reporting authority	Further services / information	Contact details
Territory Families Ph: (08) 8922 7111	In the Northern Territory every person is required to report suspected child abuse and neglect. For further information about the process of reporting concerns about a child's welfare in the NT refer to the Child Abuse page of the department's website.	Child Protection Hotline Ph: 1800 700 250 (24 hours)

Queensland
Reporting authority	Further services / information	Contact details
Department of Communities Child Safety and Disability Services Ph: (07) 3224 8045	Child Safety Services is the lead child protection agency in QLD. For information about the process of reporting concerns about a child's welfare in QLD refer to the Reporting Child Abuse page of the department's website. Who are mandatory reporters in QLD?	For a list of contact numbers during business hours, go to: Regional Intake Services To locate your nearest Child Safety Service Centre, Ph: 1800 811 810 Child Safety After Hours Service Centre Ph: 1800 177 135

South Australia
Reporting authority	Further services / information	Contact details
Department for Education and Child Development Ph: (08) 8124 4185	The primary area of concern for Families SA is the protection of children. For information about SA mandatory reporting requirements and the process of reporting concerns about a child's welfare, refer to the department’s Protecting Children webpage.	Child Abuse Report Line Ph: 13 14 78 After hours crisis care Ph: 13 16 11 Report child abuse online See: New users instructions to register and prepare to use the system (PDF 274 KB)

Tasmania
Reporting authority	Further services / information	Contact details
Department of Health and Human Services Ph: 1300 135 513	The role of Child Protection Services is to protect children and young people who are at risk of abuse or neglect. For information about the process of reporting concerns about a child's welfare in TAS refer to the department’s Child Protection Services webpage. Information about mandatory reporting can be found in the department’s information sheet: Responsibilities of Mandatory Reporters (PDF 89 KB)	24 hour contact number: 1300 737 639 Report child abuse online

Victoria
Reporting authority	Further services / information	Contact details
Department of Human Services	The Child Protection Service is specifically targeted to those children and young people at risk of significant harm. For information about child protection and mandatory reporting requirements in Victoria, refer to the department’s Child Protection webpage.	Child Protection Crisis Line (urgent concerns) Ph: 13 12 78 For a list of regional and metropolitan phone numbers, go to: Child Protection Contacts

Western Australia
Reporting authority	Further services / information	Contact details
Department for Child Protection and Family Support Ph: (08) 9222 2555 TTY: (08) 9325 1232	The Department for Child Protection and Family Support offers a range of services to support children and families. For further information about the process of reporting concerns about a child's welfare refer to the department’s If You are Concerned about a Child webpage. Who are mandatory reporters in WA?	Ph: (08) 9222 2555 or Country Freecall: 1800 622 258 After hours: Ph: (08) 9223 1111 or Country Freecall: 1800 199 008 If you are a mandatory reporter Ph: 1800 708 704 Lodge a written mandatory report online using the department's secure Mandatory Reporting Web System or download and complete a Mandatory Reporting Form (PDF 237 KB)

Authors and Acknowledgements

This paper was updated April 2016 by Lucy Ockenden, Communications and Research Officer with the Child Family Community Australia information exchange at the Australian Institute of Family Studies.

Previous editions of this paper were compiled by Kathryn Goldsworthy, Rose Babic, Shaun Lohoar, Kate Rosier and Debbie Scott.

The feature image is by Jessica, CC BY-NC 2.0.

Publication details

CFCA Resource Sheet

Published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, April 2016.

Last updated January 2017

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