Making a report

If you are concerned that a child may be at risk of harm, it is important to take action. This page explains how to make a report, the information you may be asked to provide, and what happens after a report is made.

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.

Reasonable grounds for reporting harm

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.

Steps for making a report

Step 1 – Gather relevant information

Think about what you have seen, heard or been told that has caused you concern about a child's safety or wellbeing.

Record what you have seen, heard or been told, including dates, times and the people involved where possible.

What information you may be asked for

The Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) staff may ask for information about:

the child's name, age, address, ethnicity, school, current location
the parents, carers, siblings or other people involved
alleged perpetrator’s name, age, address, relationship to the child, current whereabouts
when the next expected contact with the perpetrator will be
specific details of your concerns about the child's safety or wellbeing
size and location of any injuries, descriptions of any bruising
if child disclosed, what did they say and how did they appear emotionally
who saw or heard what and when
has the child been seen by a doctor and if so, doctor’s name and contact details
description of behaviours of caregivers that have caused concern, including how often and how severe
description of concerning behaviour by the child that is of concern, including how often it occurs
any immediate risks to the child's safety
any other information that may help assess the situation such as family dynamics, relevant health factors, drug, alcohol, domestic violence, or mental health issues, family or community support, involvement with any agencies.

The more information provided to CARL, will allow a better response to the child of concern. Only provide information that you know. Do not delay making a report because some information is unavailable.

Step 2 – Contact the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL)

If you suspect a child is at risk of harm, make a report to the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL).

Phone the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) on 13 14 78.

Step 3 – Record the actions you have taken

Keep a record of your concerns, the information provided, and the date and time the report was made. Follow your organisation's policies and procedures for record keeping.

Step 4 – Continue supporting the child

After making a report, continue to support the child in a safe, respectful and appropriate way.

After you make a report

Once a report has been made, Child Protection will assess the information provided and determine the most appropriate response. The response will depend on the circumstances of the child and the level of risk identified.

Assessment and response

Information provided to the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) is assessed to determine whether the child may be at risk and whether further action is required.

Confidentiality and privacy

Information about reports and any actions taken may be subject to privacy and confidentiality requirements. This means you may not receive information about the outcome of a report.

Continue supporting the child

Making a report is only one part of helping to keep children safe. Where appropriate, continue to support the child and follow your organisation's policies and procedures.