resources for mandatory reporters
Certain groups of people are required by law to report to DoCS if they suspect (using their professional judgment and training), on reasonable grounds, that a child or young person is at risk of harm.
If you are a mandatory reporter, you can call DoCS Helpline on 13 3627 (13 DOCS).
If waiting times exceed five minutes, or if you are prevented from using a phone, you may use the Risk of harm report fax form instead. If you have any queries when completing the fax form see the Frequently Asked Questions.
Members of the general public should call 132 111.
who are mandatory reporters?
A “mandatory reporter” is any person who delivers health care, welfare, education, children's services, residential services or law enforcement wholly or partly to children (aged under 16) as part of their paid work and includes any person who directly manages or supervises such work.
If you are a mandatory reporter with current concerns that a child aged under 16 is at risk of harm, you are required to make a report to DoCS.
This is a legal obligation, which carries a penalty if you fail to comply.