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:

Child-Safe-Reporting-Procedure-External.pdf(PDF, 72KB)

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 person's 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

Related Information

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