Child protection in early childhood (PROTECT)

This content has been developed to support staff employed in early childhood services in Victoria to take action if they suspect, or are witness to any form of child abuse.

This includes all staff within any service providing education and care to children under the age of 13 years including in Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), as well as those working in children's services providing occasional care and limited hours care. It also includes Maternal Child Health Services, Early Childhood Intervention Services and Supported Playgroups. There is separate guidance for school staff within Victorian Schools.

As a staff member within an early childhood service, you play a vital role in protecting children from abuse by responding to and reporting any incidents, disclosures or suspicions. You are often best placed to identify signs and behaviours that may indicate that a child has been subject to abuse, or that a community member, staff member, contractor or volunteer may be a perpetrator of abuse.

This resource uses the term child to refer to any person under the age of 18.

This resource has been designed to support you in this role and it includes specific advice on:

• Understanding your Obligations to Protect Children
• Identifying Signs of Child Abuse
• Four Critical Actions for Early Childhood Services: Responding to Incidents, Disclosures and Suspicions of Child Abuse

• Responding to Concerns About the Wellbeing of a Child

To download a copy of the full guide and factsheets, see: 

• Identifying and Responding to All Forms of Abuse in Early Childhood Services
• Protecting Children from Abuse - Factsheet for families (pdf - 575.95kb)word (docx - 73.44kb)
• Warning Signs of Child Abuse - Factsheet for the early childhood sector (pdf - 876.9kb)word (docx - 75.45kb)

Relevant authorities

Both DFFH and Victoria Police have statutory responsibilities under the Children Youth and Families Act 2005 and Crimes Act 1958 requiring people to report suspected child abuse where they have formed a 'reasonable belief' or 'a belief on reasonable grounds' in relation to the protection of children.

• DFFH Child Protectionis the lead agency responsible for the care and protection of children and may bring cases before the Children's Court and support orders granted by the Children's Court.
  
• Victoria Police (SOCIT) is responsible for criminal investigations into alleged child abuse.
  
• Child FIRST Referral and Support Teamsare family services practitioners experienced in assessing the needs of vulnerable children and their families. Child FIRST teams work closely with community-based DHHS Child Protection workers.

• Quality Assessment and Regulation Division regulates education and care services and is responsible for ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of children in Early Childhood Services.
  

24-hour services

• Victoria Police Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Investigation Team(SOCIT)
  000
  
• DFFH After hours Child Protection Emergency Service
  131 278
  
• Sexual Assault Crisis Line DFFH
  1800 806 292

• Mallee Sexual Assault Unit 
  

• Safe Steps – Family Violence Response Centre
  1800 015 188
  

Counselling and support organisations

• For support and intervention for survivors of sexual offending, see: The Victorian Centre Against Sexual Assault or phone: 1800 806 292
  
• The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) VACCA is an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation advocating for the rights of Aboriginal children, young people and families, and providing them with services premised on human rights, self-determination, cultural respect and safety. Phone: (03) 9287 8800
  
• Child Wise is Australia's leading international child protection charity committed to the prevention and reduction of sexual abuse and exploitation of children around the world. Ph: 1800 991 099
  
• Aboriginal Family Violence and Legal Services Provides assistance to victims of family violence and sexual offending and work with families and communities affected by violence.
  
• The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service VALS plays an important role in providing referrals, advice/information, duty work or casework assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the State of Victoria.
  
• Safe Steps – Family Violence Response Centre has a 24/7 response service, keeping women and their children safe, safe steps crisis support advocates are available to assist families to explore their options and escape abuse.
  
• Sexual Assault Support Services Contact List