Child safety

Keeping children safe

We all play an important role in protecting children, especially if we have concerns about a child's safety. Learn what to do.

Every child has the right to feel safe and this is the responsibility of everyone in our community. There are many ways we can play a part in creating safe environments that support children to be fully protected so they can survive, grow, learn and develop to their fullest potential.

Child Safe Standards

The Victorian Child Safe Standards and principles apply to all organisations working with children in Victoria.

Organisations and community groups can learn more about the standards from the Commission for Children and Young People.

Why reporting is important

• Reporting child abuse is the important first step in helping children who are experiencing abuse and neglect.
• Abuse can have a devastating impact on the lives of children. Failure to report means that the child could continue to experience abuse.
• Taking action ensures that children and families get the help and support they need.
• When concerns, disclosures or allegations are not acted upon, the perpetrator may continue abusing children.

Defining Child Abuse

• Physical Abuse – non-accidental infliction of physical violence, which injures or harms a child/ young person
• Sexual Abuse – when an adult uses force or power to involve a child/young person in sexual activity.
• Emotional or Psychological Abuse – rejecting, isolating, excluding, threatening, verbal abuse, coldness.
• Neglect – failing to meet a child/young person’s basic needs, such as: food, drink, clothing, hygiene, medical attention, supervision.
• Family Violence – any violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour in a domestic setting.
• Grooming – when an adult communicates and/or attempts to establish a relationship to prepare a child for sexual activity at a later time.

What to do

If a child is in immediate danger call the police on 000 (Triple Zero)

For immediate concerns and to report abuse, contact 

• the police on 000 (Triple Zero), and/or
• the Department of Health and Human Services phone DHHS on 1300 360 391 or After hours 13 12 78.

It is important that you record what you observe in relation to your concern including:

• the date
• location
• description of child/people involved.

Advice and support

Support is available at City of Boroondara. You can call (03) 9278 4444 and ask to speak to a child safety officer for:

• concerns about a child’s health or safety
• information about child safety
• advice on meeting organisational obligations.

To learn about the our commitment to child safety, read our child safe policy.

Find advice on how you can support young children to have safe and enjoyable experiences online at eSafety.

The City of Boroondara is now Safeguarding Children Certified as certified by the Australian Childhood Foundation. Visit the Australian Childhood Foundation website to learn more.