Understanding your mandatory reporting obligations helps you recognise concerns about a child's safety and wellbeing, know when a report is required, and take action to help protect children from harm.
If a child is in immediate danger or requires urgent assistance phone 000 (triple zero)
If you are concerned that a child is at risk of harm phone the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) on 13 14 78. The CARL phone line is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
This information explains mandatory reporting obligations in South Australia, including:
- who must make a mandatory report
- when a report is required
- how to recognise signs that a child may be at risk of harm
- how to respond to concerns or disclosures
- how to make a report to the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL).
Printable version
Download the Child Safe Environment – Mandatory Reporting Information booklet (PDF 1.6 MB)
What is mandatory reporting?
Find out who must make a report, when reporting is required, and what responsibilities apply under South Australian law.
Recognising when a child may be at risk
Recognise when a child may be at risk, understand signs of harm, and know when to take action.
Responding to disclosure
Get practical guidance on how to respond when a child tells you about harm.
Making a report
Follow the reporting process, understand what information to provide and what happens next.