.png){kind=small}
Child protection is a government system that aims to keep children and young people safe from abuse, neglect, and harm. Here, you can learn how the system works. You can learn how to stand up for a child with disabilities. You can find help and advice if you need it.
You may feel afraid if one of your kids is reported to child protection. You may feel ashamed. Maybe you've had bad experiences with "the system". You are not alone. With support, you can get through it. Your child can be safe.
All Australian states and territories have laws that say what the government can do to keep kids safe. All states and territories have a child protection agency. The agency's job is to look after kids' safety and wellbeing.
Someone might call child protection if they're worried that a child:
The child protection agency will investigate the situation. If they agree the child is at risk of harm, they will make a case plan to keep the child safe.
The plan could say that:
We explain the process in more detail below.
You might encounter child protection because:
Parents with a disability are often treated unfairly. People might assume that you can't be a good parent because of disability. It's hurtful and untrue.
Progress is happening, but Australia has a long way to go to make child protection services fair.
Children with disabilities have the right to be part of decisions about their own lives. This includes decisions made when they are in care or supported by child protection.
Some children with disabilities can't communicate through speech, sign language, or writing. They might not have had the chance to learn how to make decisions for themselves. People might expect little from them or assume they can't be involved in decision-making. These negative beliefs affect how much say a child with a disability gets in choices that affect them.
A positive attitude about a child's ability to contribute to decisions helps. It's also a good idea to have someone the child knows and trusts ask what they want.
Child protection, parents, caregivers, teachers, families, and others all have a role in helping children get the support they need to live safely and free from violence or abuse.
You can read more about supported decision-making for childrent with disabilities on the Australian Institute of Family Studies website (external link).
The child protection system is complex and can be hard to understand.
If you and your children are involved with child protection, it's a good idea to get support and information. You can:
If you are upset, you can contact Lifeline on the Lifeline website (external link). You can call them on 13 11 14 to access 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Lifeline exists so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.
Some people, like teachers, doctors, or counsellors, must report any concerns about a child's safety or welfare to child protection. It is the law. They are 'mandatory reporters'.
After someone has told child protection about a child (known as making a 'notification'), the Child Protection office will investigate.
In an investigation, the government department tries to get more information. Then, they decide if there is any reason to believe that a child has been harmed, neglected or abused.
Usually, a child protection worker will talk to the parents on the phone. If concerns remain after the chat, they will ask for more information. It might involve visiting the home and speaking to people who know the child. After this, if the case manager decides that a child is at risk of harm, the report will be considered 'substantiated' or proven.
Then, the government department will develop a case plan.
Depending on the issues, this might include making parents do things like a parenting course. The agency might put the child under a care and protection order or in out-of-home care. The department may also connect the child and their family to other support services. All these steps aim to ensure a child is safe and manage issues in the family.
If a child is sent to out-of-home care, they may live with a foster carer. Usually, it's temporary. Parents will always have the right to see their children and work towards living together again.
You might be scared to talk to child protection workers. The most helpful thing you can do is to speak honestly and share information with the system. You can always have a support person with you.
Past bad experiences may make you not trust the system. If this is the case, work with a counsellor or trauma-informed therapist. It will help you cope. It will help you be the best parent you can be.
You may feel embarrassed or ashamed if your children go to out-of-home care. These are normal feelings. With support, you can manage. You can help your kids through any changes they might experience. No matter what, you are always a parent.
Supporting your children during the child protection process is crucial for their emotional wellbeing. They need:
This section provides information about helplines - telephone and text services that offer help when you need it. Helplines can give you advice, understanding and links to practical support. Here, you can learn to choose a service that meets your needs and prepare for the call. We also share a list of helplines across Australia. If you have an emergency, call 000 (triple zero) to speak to the police or ambulance.
Find out moreWitnessing family violence harms children and young people, and disability can increase the harm. You can help by letting them know they can talk about their experiences. You can also offer practical assistance. Here, we share common reactions to family violence. We explain how to report the problem and how to help with safety planning.
Find out more%20Medium.jpeg)
May 13, 2024
|
Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence
A guide for women with disability experiencing family and domestic violence.
Check resource.jpeg)
May 13, 2024
|
Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence
A guide for women with disability and mothers of children with disability who have experience of family and domestic violence.
Check resource
May 4, 2024
|
1800 RESPECT
If you are going to leave a relationship, deciding what to take with you is an important step in creating a safety plan. This checklist helps you plan what you may need to take if you need to leave.
Check resource.png)
