4. Report problems. Legal and ethical

10.1. Mandatory reporting

Mandatory reporting is a term used to describe the legislative requirement for selected groups of people (such as nurses, carers and teachers) to report a reasonable belief of elderly, disability or child abuse and neglect to government authorities. Parliaments in all Australian states and territories have formalised mandatory reporting laws, which can differ between states.

In Victoria, a mandatory reporter is legally obligated to:

• Make a report to Child Protection they believe on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection from physical injury or sexual abuse
• Make the report as soon as practicable after forming their belief
• Make a report each time they become aware of any further grounds for their belief.

Additionally, any person who believes on reasonable grounds that a child needs protection can make a report to Child Protection.

An AHA is not a mandatory reporter, however, they have a duty of care to report a reasonable belief of child abuse, even if the child is not their client. It is an offence in Victoria for an adult not to disclose child sexual abuse.

Reference: Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing | Children, youth & families, accessed 03/11/2024