Child Protection

Promoting child protection in our community is a priority. The NSW Department of Community Services provides information and advice on child protection.

Reporting

CHILD ABUSE - OF ANY KIND - IS A CRIME

If you have a reason to suspect a child or young person is experiencing harm or neglect, or is at risk of experiencing harm, you need to contact:

DoCS Helpline on 132 111 (TTY 1800 212 936) for the cost of a local call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You do not have to prove that the abuse or neglect is happening.

Your details remain confidential when you make a report and are not disclosed to those who are being investigated.

If you believe a child or young person is in immediate danger or in a life-threatening situation, contact the Police immediately by dialing 000.

For further information on making a report please contact the Department of Community Services.

Support and Information

The following information can be used as a guide to a wide range of community information sources and support on the issue of child protection:

Barnardos South East Sydney Temporary Family Car

Offers short term crisis foster care for children and weekend ongoing respite care for families at risk of breakdown.

Phone: 02 9599 8911 | After hours: 0400 380 939
Email: tfc_wave@barnados.org.au
Web: www.barnados.org.au

Child Abuse Prevention Service

24 hour crisis support service which provides assistance to prevent child abuse in families suffering stress.

Phone: 1800 688 009 (Freecall) 24 hours, 7 days
Email: mail@childabuseprevention.com.au
Web: www.childabuseprevention.com.au

Department of Community Services - DoCS

Reporting line in NSW (DoCS HELPLINE): 132 111 (24 hours)

Eastern Sydney CSC - DoCS
A local Community Services Centre with responsibility for ensuring the provision of appropriate services and support to Eastern Sydney families in crisis. Suitable for children at risk and families in crisis.

Phone: 02 8303 7688
Web: www.community.nsw.gov.au

Eastern Sydney Scarba Service, The Benelovent Society

Provides support to families to address and overcome the stresses which led to the abuse and neglect. ESSS offers range of services such as counselling, home visiting, access to child health professionals, play groups, social groups to help parents form social networks, art therapy, linking families to local services and activities.

Phone: 02 9130 7336
Web: www.bensoc.org.au

Sydney Children�s Hospital - Child Protection Unit

The unit operates as a specialist child protection service providing clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions to maltreated children and their families.

Phone: 02 9382 1412
After hours: 029382 1111