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4. Report problems. Legal and ethical

10. Child protection

“When adults caring for children do not follow through with their responsibilities, are abusive or exploit their positions of power, then child protection is empowered to investigate the concerns and intervene to protect the child legally when required.”

Reference: Victorian Department Families, Fairness and Housing | Child protection, accessed 03/11/2024

The functions of the Victorian Child Protection Service are to:

  • Investigate allegations that a child is at risk of significant harm
  • Refer children and families to services that assist in providing the ongoing safety and wellbeing of children
  • Make applications to the Children's Court if the child's safety cannot be ensured within the family
  • Administer protection orders granted by the Children's Court

Reference: Victorian Department Families, Fairness and Housing | Child protection, accessed 03/11/2024

As an AHA, you will come into contact with children in your job role, especially if you are working in the disability sector. You must follow child protection laws and specific requirements for reporting children at risk of harm, including mandatory reporting procedures in some states and territories.

You must have an awareness of the signs that a child has been or is at risk of significant harm, as a result of physical or sexual abuse, and reporting factual information and concerns to your AHP supervisor is crucial.

All adults completing child related work in Victoria need to apply for a Working with Children Check.

“The check assists in protecting children from sexual and physical harm by ensuring that people who work with, or care for, them are subject to a screening process.”

Reference: Victorian Government | The Working with Children Check explained, accessed 03/11/2024

Healthcare staff are usually required to undergo must also have regular National Police Check.

For more information on child protection in Victoria, see this resource:

Victorian Department Families, Fairness and Housing | Child protection