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Mandatory reporting is when the law requires people in certain professions to make a report to authorities if they know or suspect that someone is being abused or is at risk of harm.
Although it’s important for any adult who is aware or suspects that a child is being sexually abused to report it, only some people are legally obliged to do so.
The laws around mandatory reporting are different in each state or territory.
In Tasmania, mandatory reporting legislation contains a list of who is legally required to report cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. This includes people in certain occupations, including medical
practitioners, teachers and police officers.
If you are a mandatory reporter, your employer should inform you of this. If you want to check, there is a link to a list of included occupations in the support and information section below.
There are some important differences across states and territories about what kind of abuse and harm needs to be reported.
In Tasmania, it is mandatory to report all five recognised types of abuse and neglect: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exposure to family violence.
A report must be made when a mandatory reporter has a reasonable belief that a child or young person up to the age of 18 is being abused or is at risk of abuse. This includes situations where abuse has not yet taken place but is suspected to be likely in the future.
A person with concerns about a child’s safety is called a ‘notifier’. The first point of call for a
notifier is the Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line.
Their website address is:
https://strongfamiliessafekids.tas.gov.au/
Or you can call the line on 1800 000 123.
When you call, you will speak to a trained staff member who will talk to you about the situation, answer any questions you have, and record your concerns. Child Protection may then gather more information so that a recommendation can be made about what needs to be done.
The case may be referred to a more appropriate service for response, referred to police for joint investigation or classified and prioritised for a risk and/or needs assessment by Child Protection.
People who call the Advice and Referral Line have a legal right to confidentiality.
The staff member will record your details but won’t disclose your identity without your consent unless they need to consult with another person acting in the course of official duties such as a Child Safety Officer; or if they have been ordered by a court.
Staff will do their best to maintain your confidentiality if this is what you request. However, staff will need to talk to the family about what has been reported, and in many cases the family will guess where the information came from. The staff member can talk to you about this scenario, how it may impact you and the child and how you plan to respond.
