Child Protection in Gippsland Region
The Child Protection program is responsible for:
- Investigating reports of child abuse and neglect
- Ensuring the ongoing safety of children within the family by strengthening the parents and the extended family's capacity to care for the children
- Initiating formal statutory intervention by seeking protective orders in the Children's Court where the safety of the child or young person cannot be guaranteed
- Working toward reuniting families and children where separation has been necessary
- Determining when a child is no longer able to remain in the care of their family and requires a permanent alternative family
Child Protection services are provided for children and young people and their families in order to protect children and young people less than 18 years of age from significant harm resulting from abuse and neglect within the custodial family unit. Child Protection provided by the Department of Human Services is based on the principle that generally speaking the best protection for children is within the family.
Where a child or young person is thought to be at risk within the family Child Protection will in the first instance take every reasonable step to enable them to remain in the care of their family by strengthening the family's capacity to protect the child or young person. Where a child or young person is not safe within the family Child Protection will intervene and may place them in out-of home care until the parents are able to resume their custodial responsibilities. If this is not possible within two years Child Protection will pursue more permanent arrangements which assure the child or young person of a permanent substitute family or, in the case of a young person, support to live independently.
The roles of Child Protection staff include receiving and investigating notifications, case supervision, court work and case planning. The region receives approximately 3100 notifications per year of which about 1000 are investigated. At any point in time there will be about 300 children and young people on Children's Court orders.
To report or discuss suspected incidents of child abuse in the Gippsland region please telephone 1800 020 202 between the hours of 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Outside of these times please contact the After Hours Child Protection Crisis Line via telephone on 131 278.
Contact Information
Report Child Abuse
1800 020 202
8.30am-5.00pm Monday-Friday
After Hours Crisis Line
131 278
