From today, it is now mandatory for youth justice workers to report all reasonable beliefs of child sexual abuse to the Department of Communities’ Mandatory Reporting Service.
Youth justice workers are the final of the eight new mandatory reporter groups that have been implemented through a staggered approach following the passing of the Children and Community Services Amendment Act 2021.
Current mandatory reporters in Western Australia include Assessors who visit residential care and secure care services, boarding supervisors, departmental officers of the Department of Communities, doctors, early childhood workers, ministers of religion, nurses and midwives, out-of-home care workers, police officers, psychologists, school counsellors and teachers (including TAFE lecturers) and as of today, youth justice workers.
The expansion of mandatory reporter groups was managed in stages to ensure each group received the necessary training and support to fulfil their new reporting obligations. Communities provides free mandatory reporter online training and resources which are available to support the various reporting groups to understand their responsibilities.
For more information and to access free mandatory reporter online training, visit the Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse in WA webpage.
Any person with concerns about a child’s wellbeing is urged to notify Communities, regardless of whether that person is a mandatory reporter. This enables authorities to assess the circumstances and take action to protect the child and other children where necessary. If you believe a child is in immediate danger or life-threatening situation, contact the Police immediately by dialling 000.
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