Reports made to Community Services are confidential and the reporter’s identity is generally protected by law. From 24 January 2010 a new provision will allow NSW Police access to the identity of the reporter if this is needed in connection with the investigation of a serious offence against a child or young person.
Safeguards to protect the reporter have been introduced. The request must come from a senior NSW Police officer and the reporter must be informed that their identity is to be released – unless informing them of the disclosure will prejudice the investigation.
When Community Services receives your report, we are required by law to make an assessment and determination whether the child is actually at risk of significant harm.
The information you provide in a report will inform what further action is needed. Other considerations include the child or family history held by Community Services.
We assess all reports to determine the most appropriate action to ensure the safety, welfare and wellbeing of the child. This might involve talking to the child, their family or other important people in the child’s life (such as relatives, teachers or child carers), or talking to people who work with the child or their family (such as counsellors, health professionals or family support workers).
Not all reports will lead to further assessment or investigation. This may be because there is insufficient information or reason to believe that the child or young person is at risk of harm.
As a reporter, you will be informed about the type of action that will be taken, based on your report.
The Child Protection Helpline will inform you in writing whether the report you made meets the threshold of significant harm or not.
Community Services recognises that mandated reporters often have an ongoing service role with the children, young people or families that they have reported to the Helpline.
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