6. Mandatory Reporting
Mandatory reporting is the legislative requirement for selected classes of people to report suspected child abuse to government authorities as regulated by the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.
Section 24 of the Act – A mandatory reporter makes a report on reasonable grounds to suspect a child or young person is at risk. Reasonable grounds is you must have an objective basis for making the report based on what you may have observed first hand or been advised by a child or young person or what you can refer based on your knowledge and education in relation to being a mandatory reporter.
Section 29 of the Act – There is protection for mandatory reporters if a report is made in good faith to protect the child and doesn’t;
- constitute a breach of professional etiquette or ethics or a departure from professional standards or conduct and
- no liability for defamation is incurred and
- no grounds for malicious prosecution or conspiracy
Handout: Child Protection – Identify and Respond to Children at Risk of Harm Policy (Sample)DownloadCollecting Information
When collecting information such as observations and or recounts of what a child has disclosed. It is important to record the information confidentially and objectively. Record and file this information in line with the policies and procedures of your service. For further information download the following handout.
Making a Report
There are 2 ways for a mandatory reporter to make a child protection report;
- Through completing the Mandatory Reporter Guide (MRG) and possibly being directed to complete an eReport after completing the MRG. The MRG can be found at ChildStory Reporter.
- By calling the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 or the police to make an immediate report. This number is also available for the general public to use if they have concerns also. The phone is available 24/7.
The MRG helps mandatory reporters make a decision through being asked a series of questions and responding with yes or no answers until a decision is reached. If you have more than one concern when completing the MRG then go with the one that is the most serious.
For further information in completing the MRG, there are “How to Guides” on ChildStory or if you have a Child Wellbeing Unit (CWU) at your place of business they can be contacted for further information and support.
Practice Scenario Reporting
The MRG can be used as often as you like to become familiar with the tool. There are three scenarios below. Use these videos or voice recordings and then go to ChildStory Reporter and complete the MRG. Whilst watching and listening see find the indicators and risk factors in the scenario. Have a look at your previous handouts of ‘Risk and Protective Factors’ and ‘Indicators of Abuse’
Following is a form with a series of questions that can be answered after every scenario to help with learning and refreshing your memory.
Watch – Scenario ‘What about the kids’ and then complete MRG at ChildStory Reporter
Watch – Scenario Annies Story and then complete MRG at ChildStory Reporter
Listen – Scenario Susan Miller’s Story and then complete MRG at ChildStory Reporter
Exchanging Information
When you suspect a child is at risk of harm according to Section 248 information can be exchanged with prescribed bodies. These include many government agencies such as the police, schools, TAFE, public and private health organisations.
When exchanging information according to Chapter 16a of the ACT the following is to be adhered to;
- Be confidential with information and share according to the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
- Work with other agencies and respect each other’s functions and expertise
- Child or young persons safety, welfare and wellbeing is paramount
- Only share information that is relevant to the child’s safety, wellbeing and welfare.
- As a part of 16a, the reporters’ details can’t be shared without their permission except in case of investigation of a serious alleged offence.
