Child Safe Reporting NSW

STEP 1 – BECOME AWARE

A child or young person:

• Makes a disclosure

• Shows signs of harm

• You observe concerning behaviour

• You suspect abuse or misconduct

⬇

STEP 2 – ENSURE IMMEDIATE SAFETY

• Is the child in immediate danger?

If YES → Call 000 immediately.
If NO → Remove the child from risk where possible and proceed.

• Stay calm

• Listen without leading questions

• Reassure the child

• Do NOT promise confidentiality

• Do NOT investigate

• Do NOT confront the alleged person

⬇

STEP 3 – REPORT INTERNALLY (IMMEDIATELY)

Notify:

1. Team Leader (immediately)

2. Team Leader escalates to Operations Manager / Director

Complete a Child Safe Incident Report Form before end of shift.

⬇

STEP 4 – EXTERNAL REPORTING (IF REQUIRED)

The following must occur without delay:

Criminal Offence Suspected?
→ NSW Police: 131 444 (or 000 in emergency)

Risk of Significant Harm (ROSH)?
→ DCJ: 132 111 (24/7)
→ Mandatory reporters use ChildStory Reporter

Reportable Conduct (staff/volunteer)?
→ Notify NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG)
(Managed by Director / senior leadership)

NDIS Reportable Incident?
→ Notify NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission

⬇

STEP 5 – DOCUMENTATION & RECORD KEEPING

• Complete Incident Report

• Record factual, objective information only

• Store securely

• Maintain confidentiality

⬇

STEP 6 – FOLLOW-UP & SUPPORT

Invoke Support Services will:

• Conduct risk assessment

• Ensure ongoing safety of the child

• Provide support to child and family

• Ensure procedural fairness

• Review systems and policies if required

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

✔ You do NOT need proof to report
✔ It is better to report and be wrong than not report
✔ Failure to report certain offences is a criminal offence in NSW
✔ The child’s safety is always the priority