Child Protection Reporting Policy Attachment 3

A step-by-step guide to making a report to Child Protection or Child FIRST

Step 1 - Responding to concerns

Step 2 - Forming a belief on reasonable grounds

Step 3 - Making a referral to Child FIRST

Step 4 - Make a report to Child Protection

1. If your concerns relate to a child in need of immediate protection; or you have formed a belief that a child is at significant risk of harm*.

Go to Step 4

2. If you have significant concerns that a child and their family need a referral to Child FIRST for family services.

Go to Step 3 

3. In all other situations 

Go to Step 2.

* Refer to Appendix 2: Definitions of child abuse and indicators of harm in the Protocol – Protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people

1. Consider the level of immediate danger to the child.

Ask yourself:

a) Have I formed a belief that the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering significant harm? YES / NO and
b) Am I in doubt about the child’s safety and the parent’s ability to protect the child? YES / NO

2. If you answered yes to a) or b)

Go to Step 4

3. If you have significant concerns that a child and their family need a referral to Child FIRST for family services.

Go to Step 3

Child Wellbeing Referral

1. Contact your local Child FIRST provider.

2. Have notes ready with your observations and child and
family details.

Mandatory/Protective Report*

1. Contact your local Child Protection Intake provider immediately.

For After Hours Child Protection Emergency Services, call
131 278.

2. Have notes ready with your observations and child and
family details.

* Non-mandated staff members who believe on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection are able to report their concerns to Child Protection Protective concerns

You are concerned about a child because you have:

• received a disclosure from a child about abuse or neglect
• observed indicators of abuse or neglect
• been made aware of possible harm via your involvement in the community external to your professional role.

At all times remember to:

• record your observations
• follow appropriate protocols
• consult notes and records
• consult with appropriate colleagues if necessary
• consult with other support agencies if necessary

For further information refer to Protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people – A joint protocol of the Department of Human Services Child Protection,
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Licensed Children’s Services and Victorian Schools