how do I make a report?
To make a report you need to call the DoCS Helpline 13 3627 (or 13 DOCS for easy memory).
Helpful information for DoCS includes:
- full name, date of birth (or approximate age), address and phone number of the child/ren you are concerned about
- full name (including any known aliases), approximate age, address and phone number of the parents or carers
- a description of the child and their current whereabouts
- why you suspect the child is at risk of harm (what you have seen, heard or been told)
- whether a language or sign interpreter may be required, whether support is required for a person with a disability or an Aboriginal agency is involved
- your name and contact details.
For a comprehensive list of information to include when making a report refer to the NSW Interagency Guidelines for Child Protection Intervention 2006, table 2.8: Template for Reporting in Chapter 2.2 “When Should a Report About a Child or Young Person be Made?”
Sometimes you may not have all of this information. As a minimum, DoCS needs to be able to identify and locate the child. Information that assists this, such as the child’s school or child care centre, is also helpful.
See what happens when I make a report?
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 (24 hours/7 days)