Mandatory reporting helps protect children and young people who may be at risk of harm.
This page explains what mandatory reporting is, who is required to make a report, and what responsibilities apply under South Australian law.
On this page:
Legal requirements
Mandatory reporting is a legal requirement for certain people to report concerns about a child who may be at risk of harm.
Under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017, mandated reporters must make a report when they suspect on reasonable grounds that a child is, or may be, at risk of harm, and that suspicion is formed in the course of their work or role.
You do not need proof that harm has occurred. A report should be made when you have reasonable grounds to be concerned about a child's safety or wellbeing.
Who is a mandated reporter?
A mandated reporter is a person who is legally required to report concerns about a child who may be at risk of harm.
The following professions and roles are mandated reporters under South Australian law.
Health professionals
This includes:
- medical practitioners
- pharmacists
- registered nurses
- enrolled nurses
- dentists
- psychologists
- social workers.
Education professionals
This includes teachers working in:
- schools
- preschools
- kindergartens.
Religious organisations
This includes:
- ministers of religion
- all employees of religious organisations
- all volunteers of religious or spiritual organisations.
Community and support services
This includes employees and volunteers who provide services directly to children in organisations that provide the following services:
- health
- welfare
- education
- childcare
- residential
- police officers
- community corrections officers
- sports and recreation.
Management roles
This includes managers and supervisors who have direct responsibility for, or oversight of, services provided to children.
What are reasonable grounds?
You do not need proof that a child is being harmed before taking action.
You may have reasonable grounds to be concerned when:
- a child tells you they are at risk or have been harmed
- your observations of a child's behaviour, wellbeing or injuries raise concern they are at risk or have been harmed
- a child tells you someone else is at risk or has been harmed
- a person provides reliable information that raises concerns about a child's safety.
What happens if I don't report?
Mandated reporters have a legal obligation to report concerns about a child who may be at risk of harm. Failing to meet this obligation may result in penalties under South Australian law.
Voluntary reporting
Anyone can make a report if they are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child.
While mandatory reporting obligations apply only to certain professions and roles, all members of the community can report concerns about a child who may be at risk of harm.