Reporting Child Abuse
If a child is in immediate danger call 000 and ask for the police
Safety Concerns Within Council
If you have a concern about:
- the safety of children or young people at a Council service, program or event
- the behaviour of Hume City Council Councillors, staff, volunteers or contractors towards children and young people
- abuse from children or young people towards other children and young people in programs or events.
We need to know about it. You can let us know by:
Safety Concerns About Children Outside of Council
Ensuring that children and young people are safe and protected is a shared responsibility between families, the community and governments – we all have a role to play.
Child abuse is defined as an act (or series of acts) that endangers a child or young persons physical or emotional health and development.
It can include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Grooming
- Neglect
- Family violence
All adults in Victoria have a responsibility to report if they know or suspect that a child is being abused.
If a child is in immediate danger call 000 and ask for the police
Where you have concerns about the safety of a child or young person you should report to Child protection on:
- 1300 598 521, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
- or after hours on 13 12 78, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays.
If you have concerns about a child or young person’s wellbeing - but they are not at immediate risk - a referral to the Orange Door (previously known as CHILD FIRST) can be made on 1800 271 151 or hma@orangedoor.vic.gov.au.
This includes:
- experiencing significant parenting problems that may be affecting the child's development
- experiencing family conflict, including family breakdown
- under pressure due to a family member's physical or mental illness, substance abuse, disability or bereavement
- young, isolated or unsupported
- experiencing significant social or economic disadvantage that may adversely impact a child's care or development