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When is a child in need of protection? (Australian Legal Definitions)

Australian legal definitions: When is a child in need of protection?

In July 2019 the Australian Institute of Family Studies website released a fact sheet to help professionals with the decision about when is a child in need of protection.

As those of us working with families across Australia know the lack of alignment between our various states and territories in Australia causes some variations in the laws that protect children. At the high level there is protection for children in every part of Australia but when you get down to the detail it can be very confusing.

What’s in the resource sheet?

The resource sheet presents a legal definition of ‘a child in need of protection’ under civil legislation in each Australian jurisdiction.  This is very relevant for those of us who are mandatory reporters.

Resource Sheet – Australian Legal Definitions of when a child needs protection

This resource sheet presents the legal definitions of child abuse and neglect as set out in the civil child protection legislation of each Australian jurisdiction. This includes the circumstances in which the jurisdictions are mandated to intervene in the protection of a child, due to risk of harm.

It references some other resource sheets below.

Other resource sheets

What is child abuse and neglect?

This resource sheet explains the 5 main subtypes of child abuse and neglect

1. Physical abuse,

2. emotional abuse,

3. neglect,

4. sexual abuse,

5. exposure to family violence.

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect.

This resource sheet identifies obligations regarding mandatory reporting throughout Australia

Responding to Children and Young People’s Disclosures of Abuse.

This resource sheet gives advice about how to respond if a child or young person discloses abuse.

Helplines and Telephone Counselling Services for Children, Young People and Parents.

This resource sheet has a listing of help and advice lines for family members including children and parents who feel that they are not able to cope.

Position Vacant
General Information

Position Vacant – Child Inclusive Practitioner

Child Inclusive Practitioner – Position Vacant

Mediation Institute is seeking an experienced Child Inclusive Practitioner to contribute to the delivery of our Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution (FDR).

This unique role offers the opportunity to share your expertise in Child Inclusive Practice while supporting the training and development of future Family Dispute Resolution practitioners.

We’re looking for someone with:

Proven experience in Child Inclusive Practice work

Training or facilitation qualifications (highly desirable)

A passion for child-focused approaches in mediation

If you’re committed to advancing child-centered practice and want to make a difference in FDR training, we’d love to hear from you.

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AMDRAS
Complaint Handling

Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards AMDRAS Information and Updates

Mediation Institute is now a Recognised Accreditation Provider (RAP) under the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS). In this edition, we share what the transition means for you, important deadlines, the launch of the new AMDRAS Registers, and upcoming events including the National Mediation Conference in Sydney. Stay informed with links to key AMDRAS resources, the industry-wide mediator survey, and guidance for maintaining your accreditation.

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Mediation Institute courses that relate to this area:

– Family Group Conferencing

– Family Dispute Resolution

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