Department of Education

Schools

Child protection and children in care

The Tasmanian Child Protection Service is a function of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The role of the Department of Education is to support DHHS in ensuring that children experiencing abuse and neglect are cared for and educated in a manner which maximises their opportunity to grow up in a safe and stable environment and to reach their full potential.

The Department of Education and DHHS have signed a Partnering Agreement which describes the responsibilities of staff in both agencies in relation to children under care and protection orders.

Partnering Agreement Between DoE and DHHS 2011-2013 - Students under Care and Protection Orders [PDF 1MB]

Mandatory reporting

Since 2000 it has been mandatory for all school staff to report known or suspected cases of child abuse to Child Protection.

The purpose of mandatory reporting is to develop a community where reporting is expected from everyone and where discretion about reporting is not based on personal choices.

Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse [PDF 171KB]

Reporting Child Abuse: Frequently Asked Questions [PDF 111KB]

Children have a Right to Protection from Abuse [PDF 44KB]

Mandatory reporting procedures

If a school staff member believes, knows or suspects that a student is being abused or neglected, they must contact either Child Protection or Gateway Services.

Recent amendments to the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1997 mean that you can make a report to either a Gateway Service or Child Protection Services. Your notification will be accepted by whichever service you contact.

Contact number for Child Protection: 1300 737 639

This state-wide number can be used 24 hrs a day to report concerns about children.

Additional contact numbers for Child Protection Intake:

South West Tasmania Child Protection Services: 6230 7650 (business hours only)
South East Tasmania Child Protection Services: 6230 7833 (business hours only)
Northern Tasmania Child Protection Services: 6336 2376 (business hours only)
North West Tasmania Child Protection Services: 6434 6246 (business hours only)

Gateway Services

Gateway Services are able to connect vulnerable children, young people and their families to the services they need to protect and promote their healthy development. Families requiring the support of Family Services generally have complex needs which can adversely impact on a child�s learning and development.

A community-based Child Protection worker works in each of the Gateway Services and is able to act on notifications of neglect and abuse

Contact number for Gateway Services: 1800 171 233

From 9am to 5pm Monday � Friday, this number will divert you to your regional Gateway Services office

Discussion with the school or college Principal about this notification is extremely important for the ongoing effective communication and provision of support for the student and the student�s family.

Sharing responsibility: Seeking Advice and Notifying Child Abuse [PDF 140KB]

Child Protection Process [PDF 104KB]

School responsibilities

The school�s role in relation to children on Care and Protection orders and children in out-of-home care is to support the children, especially if their behaviours are extreme or challenging.

This support can include but is not limited to:

Ensuring the child is enrolled in and attending the school most appropriate for them
Ensuring the child has access to an identified adult in the school to go to in relation to any issues and concerns
Providing information to Child Protection to assist them develop an accurate assessment of how best to protect the child
Developing an Individual Education Plan (IEP) where the educational needs of the child require this
Ensuring that all alternatives in relation to keeping a child at school are thoroughly explored before suspension or expulsion are considered
Participating in case conferences or family group conferences.