Keeping children and young people safe

Child abuse, neglect and harm can have a devastating and lasting impact on children and young people. Reporting concerns is an important first step in helping keep children and young people safe. By speaking up and taking action, we can help children, young people and their families receive the support and protection they need.

Our commitment to child safety

We are committed to keeping children and young people safe.

City of Boroondara has zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect or harm. We value all children and young people and uphold their right to feel respected, heard and supported.

We:

put children’s safety and wellbeing first
listen to children and young people, and take their concerns seriously
support inclusive and culturally safe environments
ensure staff, volunteers and contractors understand their responsibilities
comply with the Victorian Child Safe Standards established under the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2015. View the Act.

Our commitment is embedded in our policies, training and service delivery.

Report a child safety concern

Urgent concern

Call Triple Zero

Non-immediate concern

If you believe a child or young person needs protection, contact Child Protection East Division.

Call 1300 360 452 (business hours)
Call 13 12 78 (after hours, public holidays and weekends).

What to do:

act as soon as possible
write down what you saw or heard (dates, location, details)
report even if you are unsure.

Get advice or support

Information for children and young people

You have the right to feel safe and respected. No adult should behave in a way that makes you feel unsafe or afraid, including anyone in your family, at school, at the services and programs you attend or anywhere else in the community.

If something doesn’t feel right:

trust your feelings
talk to an adult that you trust
call us on (03) 9278 4444 and ask to speak to a Child Safety Officer. We will:
- listen to you
- take you seriously
- help you stay safe.

If you are in danger now, call Victoria Police on 000 (Triple Zero).

Support for children and young people

Kids Helpline

Phone: 1800 55 1800
Website: Kids Helpline

Free 24/7 private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years.

Headspace

Phone: 1800 650 890
Website: Headspace

Free and confidential mental health support to young people aged 12 to 25 years.

Advice for parents about online safety

Find advice on how to support children and young people to have safe and enjoyable experiences online at at the eSafety Commissioner website.

Report a concern about Council

If your concern relates to our services, facilities, staff members, volunteers, contractors, programs or events:

Phone: (03) 9278 4444
Ask for: Child Safety Officer.

What will happen next

We take all concerns seriously and will respond in a fair, timely and appropriate manner.

When a concern is raised, we will:

Acknowledge the concern, assess any immediate safety risks and take appropriate action to support the safety and wellbeing of any children or young people involved.
Record and manage information securely and confidentially, in accordance with our policies and legal obligations.
Assess the nature of the concern and, where required, commence internal complaint, disciplinary or investigation processes.
Determine whether the matter must be referred to Victoria Police, Child Protection, the Social Services Regulator or another relevant authority, and make any required reports as soon as possible.
Provide updates to the person who raised the concern where appropriate and possible, while maintaining privacy and confidentiality requirements.