If a concern is reported about your child, has the responsibility to undertake further steps to clarify or assess the concerns reported about your child’s safety and wellbeing. It is Communities’ preference, where possible, to work with you to address the safety and care needs of your child.
When child protection workers contact or visit you
It is the responsibility of departmental officers, called child protection workers, to contact you by telephone or visit your home to talk with you and other family members, in order to get a better understanding of your family’s circumstances.
Child protection workers are required to:
- introduce themselves and explain their reason for contacting you
- show their identification card, issued by the Department, when visiting your home
- explain their role and outline the Department’s child protection responsibilities
- obtain your permission before speaking to your child/ren, in most instances
- contact you as soon as possible in circumstances where they have already spoken to your child without your consent.
Child protection workers may:
- talk with you and other members of the family
- talk with your child in an age-appropriate way about the concern that has been raised
- learn about your family’s strengths
- assess the likelihood of your child being harmed
- arrange access to an interpreter, if required
- discuss what supports might assist you in caring for your child and/or providing a safer environment.
Child protection workers may also request your permission to talk to other people who are responsible for your child’s welfare, or play an important role in their life, such as:
- doctors
- teachers
- family friends
- relatives
- counsellors
- childcare workers.
What happens next?
Once all the necessary information has been obtained the child protection worker will make an assessment in consultation with their team leader and decide what action, if any, the Department needs to take.
Where a serious crime against a child has been alleged, for example sexual abuse, the Department will work with the Western Australia Police in relation to further investigations.
The Department’s response will be determined by whether or not your child:
- has suffered harm
- is likely to suffer harm as a result of abuse or neglect
- is able to be adequately cared for and protected within the family home.
Based on the outcome of the assessment, the Department may:
- take no further action
- provide you with family support
- undertake further investigations
- take legal action through the Children’s Court.
What records are kept?
The Department is required to keep paper and electronic records of its contact with children and families, which outline information relevant to a case. You have the right to seek access to these records, either informally by contacting your case worker or formally, under the Freedom of Information Act 1992. Learn more on how to lodge an application.
What if you disagree with the Department?
The Department aims to work with you to resolve complaints and achieve good outcomes for your child.
If you are not satisfied with the way we are working with you and your child or you are unhappy with the way you have been treated by departmental staff, you should contact the local district office and discuss your concerns with the Field Worker and Team Leader.
If you are still not satisfied, you may wish to make a formal complaint. The first step in the three tiered complaints process is to make a complaint to the relevant District Director. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may choose to progress to the second step, and contact the Complaints Management Unit (CMU). The CMU will listen to your complaint, provide information and advice about the complaints process and assist you in making a formal complaint.
