Reporting Laws and Requirements - VIC
Feedback
In most cases DFFH Child Protection and The Orange Door will inform you of the outcome of your report.
Confidentiality is essential in the best interests of the child, but depending on the relationship you have with the family and what work you’re doing with them, some information about the progress of the case may be shared.
You will need to contact the DFFH Child Protection worker who is dealing with the case to inquire about feedback.
Support
If you are able to offer support or assistance you should let the DFFH Child Protection worker know.
It’s important to be aware that there are a great deal of options available to manage most cases of abuse or neglect before there is a need to take invasive and dramatic actions such as removal of a child from home.
DFFH Child Protection workers may be involved with families for a very short time or a long time – depending on the needs of the child and the family. On many occasions they can assist families to engage with support and intervention services at an early stage and no further involvement is necessary.
Remember also that there may be things that you can do to work with high needs families. Providing this support and assistance help them to stay out of the child protection system, enhance the well being of children and ensure you meet your duty of care to children and families.
If you are working with a family, or if you have an ongoing relationship with them where you can provide support and assistance, then the DFFH Child Protection worker may think it’s appropriate to share some information with you about the case. While feedback is not routinely provided to reporters, you should contact the DFFH Child Protection worker handling the case and discuss any need you have for feedback.
