Protection and reporting
Identifying and reporting risk and abuse
If you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child or individual’s personal safety is at risk, there are a number of ways to make a report. Please follow the link below for your state.
If the abuse or violence is in progress, call 000 and ask for the police.
Soon, we will be adding to this page for reporting of other forms of abuse, bullying, harassment and crime. Please subscribe to our emails to stay up to date as new information and resources are added.
Mandatory reporting
Mantatory reporters vary between states, with each state having specific lists while in the NT every adult has a responsibility. In most states, it could be people who work in child related employment and may be a child’s day-carer or educator, teacher or health care professional. Other mandatory reporters work in children’s services, law enforcement, residential services and welfare.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies details the professions and requirements for reporting in each state here.
Mandatory reporters have a legal obligation to report to the relevant community services in each state if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child’s personal safety is at risk, based on their professional judgement and training.
There are procedures for mandatory reporters followed by further action taken by the relevant authority.
Please visit the links for each state, and come back to this page or subscribe to our emails for updates and new articles.
Reporting in each state
Community voices
Monae, age 6
Acknowledgement of Country
In the spirit of reconciliation Children's Guide acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.