About providing child protection services

This section is for people working in agencies involved in the provision of child protection services.

The Children and Young Person (Care and Protection) Act 1998 emphasises that the care of children and young people is a responsibility shared by families, government and the agencies working in partnership.

Find out more about the policies and procedures for those working in child protection services.

You can also learn more about our Joint Investigation Response Teams (JIRTs) and how they fit in to the child protection system.

The Child Wellbeing and Child Protection – NSW Interagency Guidelines is the key document for providing practical guidance on interagency collaboration in child protection.

If you work with children or young people, you may be a "mandatory reporter” and have a legal obligation to report risk of harm. See more on mandatory reporters.

Child neglect policy

Community Services policy on child neglect has been developed in response to increased understanding of the prevalence of neglect and its adverse impact on children’s development.

It reflects a new focus on the severity and seriousness of the harm neglect can cause, including loss of life.

Structured decision making

The Structured Decision Making system presentation provides an overview of a new system for making informed choices in child protection that is being trialled for both Community Services and others working in the sector.

National framework on child protection

In response to the increasing number of children who are being exposed to child abuse and neglect, Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments have agreed to work together to implement a comprehensive national approach to protecting children.

The National framework for protecting Australia's children outlines an ambitious, long term national approach to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Australian children. It aims to deliver a substantial and sustained reduction in levels of child abuse and neglect.

Information exchange

The care and protection of children and young people is dependent upon shared information. Access to accurate, relevant information will assist organisations working with children and young people to assess risks, make decisions and identify and deliver appropriate services.

The legal framework for information exchange allows organisations to share information relating to the safety, welfare or wellbeing of children or young people without consent.