Child Safety Reporting

Child safety reporting is commonly understood as mandatory reporting of suspected abuse to child protection. That is one obligation. Several jurisdictions also operate reportable conduct schemes, and those work differently.

Under a reportable conduct scheme, an organisation that engages with children must notify an oversight body of allegations of certain conduct by its own workers, including where the allegation is not substantiated and where police are already involved.

Three points catch organisations out. The obligation sits with the head of the entity, not with the person who received the allegation. It applies to allegations rather than findings. And it runs in parallel with any police or child protection process rather than instead of it.

Requirements differ by state and territory, so check which scheme applies where you operate.

The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority publishes child safe guidance. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s child safety and protection course and child safety training for managers.