Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a responsibility shared by the family, community and the State. A range of services is available to help families and children who need support.
The Department of Human Services provides a range of prevention services and also funds non-government agencies to run programs that support families in caring for their children, particularly families under stress. This has strengthened the community service sector. It ensures that community based services are unitilised by families experiencing problems, and only cases involving significant risk of harm are notified to the Child Protection Service.
Services to protect young children from abuse and neglect
Services to prevent abuse
There are programs and services that support families and are available to everyone in the community. Part of the role of these services is to prevent the problems that could lead to child abuse. These services include:
- Antenatal services and maternal and child health centres
- Stress management courses
- Education about human relationships.
Services to help reduce stress on families
These services aim to reduce the personal and social pressure on parents who have been identified as potentially at risk of abusing their children. The services aim to:
- Identify and reduce the stress felt by parents
- Offer family support
- Provide respite care (a break from the children)
- Refer parents to self-help groups.
The Child Protection Service
The role of the Child Protection Service is to:
- Receive reports from people who believe a child needs protection from abuse or neglect.
- Provide advice to people who report cases of abuse or neglect.
- Investigate when a child is believed to be at risk of abuse or neglect.
- Refer children and families to services in the community for ongoing support and harm prevention.
- Take matters to the Children's Court if the child's safety within the family cannot be guaranteed.
- Supervise children on legal orders granted by the Children’s Court.
Support after abuse has happened
As well as the support provided by the Department of Human Services, there are many community-based organisations that provide help for families after the risk of harm to children has been identified:
- Child and family welfare agencies
- Self-help groups for victims of abuse
- Treatment programs to prevent the abuse from happening again
- Counselling services.
Where to get help
- The Department of Human Services Child Protection Crisis Line provides a referral service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tel. 131 278 - for emergency child protection matters outside of normal business hours.
- Your doctor
- Your local community health centre
- Maternal and Child Health nurse - contact your local Council for the name of your nearest centre
- Maternal and Child Health Line (24 hours) Tel. 132 229
- Parentline (24 hours) Tel. 132 289
- A protective worker involved with your family
- Your local Department of Human Services office
Things to remember
- A range of government and non-government agencies run programs that support families in caring for their children, particularly families under stress.
- Child protection services role is to protect children and investigate and advise in cases of child abuse.
- There are government and community-based organisations that provide assistance to families after the risk of harm to children has been identified.
You might also be interested in:
Child abuse - Child Protection Service.
Child abuse - reporting procedures.
Parenting - coping with stress.
Parenting centres support families.
Parenting services.
Sexual abuse - how parents can help their child.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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