- Home |
- About Us |
- Contact Us |
- Site Map |
The following list provides information on State and Territory Departments responsible for issues dealing with child protection, as well as telephone numbers to contact in order to report incidences of child abuse.
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
Office for Children, Youth and Family Support
Ph: 133 427
http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/ocyfs/
The Office for Children, Youth and Family Support works in partnership with the community to provide care and protection services to children and young people, and family and community support to meet the needs of the people of Canberra. In addition, the Office is responsible for youth justice services and the monitoring and licensing of children's services.
The Office for Children, Youth and Family Support contracts a range of services from the non-government sector to meet the needs of young people. These services include
Care and Protection services is responsible for facilitating coordination across government for the care and protection of children and young people. Care and Protection services include three Regional Offices and an After Hours service, who provide a continuum of service delivery to children and young people considered 'at risk' of serious harm.
If you are concerned about a child, refer to Keeping Children and Young People Safe (PDF 697K))
Department of Community Services
DoCS Central Office
Locked Bag 28,
Ashfield NSW 1800
Ph: (02) 9716 2222
Fax: (02) 9798 5486
DX21212 Ashfield
http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/
The Department of Community Services works to protect children from abuse and neglect. The Department views the protection and welfare of children as one of their most important tasks.
Many cases of suspected neglect and abuse against children are reported to the Department every year. It is their job to investigate these reports and, if needed, work with families to ensure children are protected. They work with families and try to find solutions to problems by talking directly to parents and children. Sometimes brothers and sisters, grandparents or other family members of a child are involved.
To report instances of child abuse
The Crimes Amendment (Child Protection - Physical Mistreatment) Act 2001 comes into effect on 5 December 2002. The amendment sets limits on the force used by parents to physically punish their children and clarifies the legal defence of 'lawful correction'. It aims to reduce the harm caused to children through excessive physical punishment. Under the amendment, it will be considered unreasonable to:
Community education activities under the title 'Remember - there's a limit' have been organised to inform parents, carers and workers about the amendment.
More information can be found on the NSW Parenting Centre's web site at http://www.parenting.nsw.gov.au/limits/.
Department of Health and Families
PO Box 40596
Casuarina NT 0811
Ph: (08) 8922 7111
After Hours Service (08) 8941 1644
More information on child protection services is available at http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Children_Youth_and_Families/Child_Protection/index.aspx
To report instances of child abuse use the free phone number:
Department of Child Safety
PO Box 806
Brisbane QLD 4002 or
CDE M4
Ph: (07) 3224 8045
Freecall: 1800 811 810
Fax: (07) 3224 3570
Email: info@childsafety.qld.gov.au
http://www.childsafety.qld.gov.au/
To report instances of child abuse:
Business hours: 1800 811 810
After hours: 1800 177 135
The Department provides services to children and families where child abuse or neglect has been alleged or identified. Allegations of child abuse and neglect are investigated and responded to with advice, information and assistance provided to families and community members. Emphasis is placed on maintaining children with their families and by educating and supporting parents to care for their children.
The Child Protection Act 1999 provides for the protection of children. The Act responds to the increased community expectation: that children must be protected from abuse and neglect; that children who are removed from home receive safe alternative care; and that children who suffer abuse and neglect receive quality services which promote their emotional, physical, social and educational development.
Information about the Act is available at:
http://www.families.qld.gov.au/childprotection/publications/documents/pdf/cpbill_98_explan.pdf
and
http://www.childsafety.qld.gov.au/legislation/child-protection/child-protection-act-1999.html
Families SA
Department for Families & Communities
Box 39, Rundle Mall Post Office
Adelaide, SA 5001
Ph: (08) 8226 6815
Fax: (08) 8226 6873
http://www.familiesandcommunities.sa.gov.au/
To report instances of child abuse:
Children, Youth and Family Services provides support and assistance to the community, especially those experiencing disadvantage or who are in need of care and protection. Services assist young people who offend or are at risk of harm and families and children at risk.
Legislation covering child protection issues include:
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service
South Australian Division of Mental Health
Suite 5, Ground Floor, Elizabeth House
Elizabeth City Centre
Adelaide SA 5112
Ph: (08) 8252 0133
Fax: (08) 8287 0308
Email: surraoc@wch-camhs.sa.gov.au
http://www.wch.sa.gov.au
The Tier 3 Diversionary Program is a new initiative by the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service - Northern Metropolitan Region. The program runs in partnership with the Department of Family & Youth Services and seeks to address the needs of children and families who have been notified to the department but where there are no confirmed issues of abuse, although a high degree of need within the family. Essentially the program seeks to prevent the potential for abuse or neglect occurring within these families through the provision of practical assistance and therapeutic input.
Department of Education, Training and Employment
http://www.dete.sa.gov.au/decs_home.asp
Information is included on DETE child protection policy, mandatory notification, Child Protection Act and links to other sites.
Department of Health and Human Services
Child Protection
http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/health__and__wellbeing/children_and_families/related_topics/child_protection
The Department of Health and Human Services brings together a wide range of services for the people of Tasmania - offering a range of support services, including child protection.
Commissioner for Children
1st Floor, Stone Building
ABC Centre, 1 Brooker Avenue
Hobart TAS 7000
Ph: (03) 6233 4520
Fax: (03) 6233 4515
http://www.childcomm.tas.gov.au/
The website of the Commissioner for Children is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.
To report instances of child abuse:
Department of Human Services
Children, Youth and Families
Child Protection and Family Services
Email: contact_cyf@dhs.vic.gov.au
To report instances of child abuse
Child Protection Crisis Service:
131 278 (24 hours)
Child Safety Commissioner
The Office of the Child Safety Commissioner is an organisation that makes children a priority. The Commissioner provides advice to both the Minister for Community Services and the Minister for Children on issues impacting on the lives of children, in particular vulnerable children. This is achieved through listening to children, advocating on their behalf, being impartial, leading on child-safe practices, acting with integrity, and being held accountable.
Department for Child Protection
Central Office
PO Box 6334
East Perth WA 6892
Ph: (08) 9222 2555
TTY: (08) 9325 1232
Fax: (08) 9222 2776
http://www.community.wa.gov.au/DCP/
To report instances of child abuse
The Department's major focus is on meeting the needs of vulnerable children and families. It is responsible for protection and caring for children and of supporting people at risk of crisis.
Staff trained in child protection investigate reports and allegations of child maltreatment. These may include physical, sexual and emotional maltreatment as well as neglect. Follow up services depend on the nature and seriousness of maltreatment and the needs of the child and family.