How to report a safeguarding concern

All adults in our community have a responsibility to look out for children and keep them safe. 

If you have concerns for the safety or welfare of a child:

• Contact Strong Families, Safe Kids - Advice and Referral Line on 1800 000 123. A staff member will be available to talk through your concerns and explore what can be done to help.
• As well as notifying ARL, you must notify Tasmania Police on the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 if you are concerned that a crime has been committed (such as the physical or sexual abuse of a child).
• If a child is at immediate risk and Police or medical assistance is required, dial 000.

For more information about what to expect when reporting concerns, see About the Advice and Referral Line - Strong Families Safe Kids

Mandatory Reporting in Health

In Tasmania, mandatory reporting requirements are outlined in the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1997. 

All Department of Health workers are mandatory reporters. This includes employees, students, volunteers, and contractors.

People who don’t fulfil mandatory reporting obligations could face penalties.

To make a mandatory report:

• Contact Strong Families, Safe Kids - Advice and Referral Line on 1800 000 123. A staff member will be available to talk through your concerns and explore what can be done to help.
• As well as notifying ARL, you must notify Tasmania Police on the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 if you are concerned that a crime has been committed (such as the physical or sexual abuse of a child).
• If a child is at immediate risk and Police or medical assistance is required, dial 000.

For more information about what to expect when reporting concerns, see About the Advice and Referral Line - Strong Families Safe Kids

View the flowchart to support staff in fulfilling their mandatory reporting obligations.

My concern about a child/young people involves a Department of Health worker

The Department of Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing, participation, and empowerment of all children and young people who access our services. We want to know if you have child safeguarding concerns related to our organisation. 

Inappropriate behaviour 

If a child or young person discloses that they have experienced abuse, neglect, or inappropriate behaviour in our services, let us know as soon as practical.

Use this form to report concerns of inappropriate behaviour by a staff member, volunteer, visitor, patient or other person within Tasmania’s health care services or premises.

Any information you pass on will be reported to ARL. We also encourage you to directly report known or suspected abuse or neglect to ARL on 1800 000 123 or report via ARL’s online contact form.

If the worker is a registered health practitioner who is behaving in a way that could present a significant risk to you, other patients/members of the public, you also need to notify the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Visit AHPRA for more information.

Department of Health staff are encouraged to also report their concerns online to [email protected].

Other concerns 

If your concern is related to the health service the child/young person was provided (but is not related to inappropriate behaviour), you can send us feedback through our online feedback form. 

You will typically receive a response to your enquiry within seven working days. 

Support services

If any of this information causes you distress or raises questions or concerns, please seek advice or support:

• Beyond Blue - Call 1300 224 636 or visit the Beyond Blue website 
  Mental health and wellbeing organisation supporting those affected by anxiety, depression and suicide.  
• 1800 Respect - Call 1800 737 732 or visit the 1800 Respect website
  Support and information for anyone affected by sexual assault, or domestic or family violence.
• Lifeline - Call 13 11 14 or visit the Lifeline website
  24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.
• Sexual Assault Support Service Inc (SASS) - Call 1800 697 877 (1800 MYSUPPORT) 03 6231 0044 or visit the SASS website
  Southern-based community service organisation providing support and information to survivors of sexual abuse.
• Laurel House - Call 03 6334 2740 / 03 6431 9711 or visit the Laurel House website
  Northern and north-western-based sexual abuse and sexual assault support service.
• Knowmore - Call 1800 605 762 or visit the Knowmore website
  Free legal advice for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
• Kids helpline – Call 1800 55 1800 or visit the Kids helpline website
  A free, confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
• 13Yarn – Call 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.