Contact Us

Phone
(03) 9391 1415

Email
emma.mclean.kin@kindergarten.vic.gov.au

Address
71 Hope Street, Spotswood
Victoria, Australia. 3015}

Online Enquiry

* Required fields

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, or that a child needs protection from abuse or neglect and their parents are unable or unlikely to protect them, must make a report to Child Protection.

Child Protection is part of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH). Child Protection assesses and, where necessary, investigates concerns that a child or young person is at risk of significant harm. Their role is to:

  • protect children and young people from significant harm caused by abuse or neglect

  • support children and families to address the impact of abuse

  • work with families and services to promote children’s safety, wellbeing and development

 

SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

The Orange Door

The Orange Door is the statewide access point for family services, family violence support, and child wellbeing concerns. It replaces Child FIRST across Victoria. A referral to The Orange Door is appropriate when you have significant concerns for a child’s wellbeing, but do not believe they require statutory protection from Child Protection.

If a child is in immediate danger

Contact Victoria Police on 000.

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP FOR A CHILD

To report concerns that are life‑threatening or affecting the immediate safety of a child outside business hours, contact:

  • After Hours Child Protection Emergency Service: 13 12 78

  • Victoria Police: 000

POTENTIAL SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE

We keep children safe by being alert to indicators of harm and acting early.

Physical signs

Bruises, burns, fractures, frequent hunger, poor hygiene, sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Behavioural signs

Little or no emotion when hurt, wariness of parents, age‑inappropriate sexual behaviour, alcohol/drug misuse, stealing food, excessive friendliness to strangers, wearing long clothing in hot weather to hide injuries.

Disclosure

If a child tells you they have been abused, this must be taken seriously.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A MANDATED REPORTER

In Victoria, mandated reporters include early childhood teachers, educators, school staff, medical practitioners, nurses, police, and others listed in the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005.

Mandated reporters are legally required to:

  • contact Victoria Police (000) and make a report to Child Protection (DFFH) if you believe on reasonable grounds that a child needs protection from physical injury or sexual abuse

  • make the report as soon as practicable

  • make a report every time you become aware of further grounds for your belief

Important reminders

  • You do not need proof.

  • A belief is reasonable if another person in your position would form the same belief.

  • You must report even if someone in authority tells you not to.

  • You are responsible for your own report.

  • Mandatory reporting overrides professional confidentiality.

  • Reports made in good faith do not constitute unprofessional conduct or breach ethics.

More information is available on the DFFH Mandatory Reporting page.

CONTACTING CHILD PROTECTION

To report child abuse, contact the relevant Child Protection Intake service.

West Division Intake – Metropolitan

Phone: 1300 664 977 Hours: 8:45am–5:00pm, Monday–Friday

After Hours Child Protection Emergency Service

Phone: 13 12 78 Hours: 5:00pm–9:00am weekdays, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays

Reports must be made by phone to a protective intervener. Reports cannot be made via email or the department’s website.

HOW TO MAKE A REPORT

When you call Child Protection, you may be asked for:

  • Child details: name, age, address

  • Indicators of harm: injuries, behaviours, disclosures

  • Reason for reporting now: what has changed or been observed

  • Immediate safety assessment: current risk, whereabouts of alleged abuser

  • Description of concerns: what you have seen, heard or been told

  • Child’s whereabouts: current location

  • Other services involved: school, kinder, support agencies

  • Family information: relevant background

  • Cultural considerations: cultural identity, interpreter needs, disability needs

You should still make a report even if you do not have all the information.

Your identity is protected unless you consent to disclosure or a Court orders it.

If Child Protection becomes involved, this may be a crisis point for the family. Your ongoing responsibilities may include:

  • supporting the child during interviews

  • attending case conferences

  • participating in case planning

  • continuing to monitor the child’s wellbeing

  • providing written reports if requested

  • supporting families to make changes that keep children safe

THE ORANGE DOOR (formerly Child FIRST)

If you have significant concerns for a child’s wellbeing, but do not believe they require statutory protection, a referral to The Orange Door may be appropriate. The Orange Door can support families experiencing:

  • parenting challenges

  • family violence

  • housing instability

  • mental health or substance use concerns

  • relationship or family stress

If a child’s immediate safety is compromised, contact Child Protection or Victoria Police (000).