Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH)

Program name

Child protection

The main functions of Child Protection are to:

• Investigate matters where it is alleged 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.

Eligibility Criteria

Community members should make a report to Child Protection if there is a reasonable belief that a child has suffered or is likely to suffer significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect and their parent has not or is unlikely to protect them from harm of that type.

Early childhood workers are mandatory reporters. For more information go to https://providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/mandatory-reporting

Referral pathway

• Call 000 if the matter is life threatening.
• During business hours call 1300 598 521.
• After hours call 13 12 78.