Information about how to get help when there are concerns for the safety and welfare of a child or young person
If you believe a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, you should call Triple Zero (000).
If the situation is not urgent, you can call the Child Protection Helpline on 13 21 11 or the police.
If DCJ has taken, or is going to take, your child into care, you should get urgent legal advice.
As a parent, you are responsible for caring for your child and keeping them safe from harm. You must financially support your child and provide them with food, clothing, and a safe place to live. You must ensure your child receives an education and has access to medical treatment. You must provide them with appropriate supervision and control.
If you believe a child or young person is at risk of harm, you can call the Child Protection Helpline on 13 2111 or the police.
The Child Protection Helpline is open 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.
Anyone can make a report to the helpline.
You can make a report about:
For more information, see Reporting a child at risk on the DCJ website.
The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is responsible for protecting children and young people from the risk of harm, abuse, and neglect in NSW.
Where a child or young person needs urgent protection, DCJ can take a child into care and start a case in the Children’s Court of NSW.
The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) has wide powers to thoroughly investigate reports about the safety, welfare and wellbeing of a child or young person.
If DCJ is investigating a report about the safety or wellbeing of your child, they might:
If DCJ is speaking to you about your child, you should get urgent legal advice.
For more information, see What happens once a report is made to the Child Protection Helpline? on the Department of Communities and Justice website.
If DCJ decides that your child is in need of care and protection, it may:
If DCJ has found your child is in need of care and protection, you should get urgent legal advice.
If you are concerned about the safety of your grandchild, you can:
If DCJ is investigating a report about the welfare of your grandchild, a caseworker may ask to speak with you. They may also ask you to attend a Family Group Conference to work out the support that is needed to allow your grandchild to remain in the care of their parents. Before you attend a Family Group Conference, you should get legal advice.
If DCJ has taken your grandchild into care, you may want your grandchild placed into your care. DCJ will need to assess you and your household to make sure that you will provide your grandchild a safe place to live. They will do this even if you have cared for your grandchild in the past. If you want your grandchild to be placed in your care, you then you should tell DCJ as soon as possible and get legal advice.
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