Report a child safety concern

Step 1.Who can report

Any child, young person, family or community member.

Step 2.What to report? 

• Concerns about the safety of children or young people at a Council service, program or event
• Concerns about the behaviour of Nillumbik Shire Council Councillors, staff, volunteers or contractors towards children and young people
• Concerns about abuse from children or young people towards other children and young people in Council programs or events. 

Step 3.When to report? 

• As soon as you become aware of an incident or concern.
• Remember – if a child or young person is in immediate danger, phone Police on 000 (triple zero).  

Step 4.How to report?

You can report a child safety concern using our online form:

Make a report online

Or via any of the following ways:

• Call Council on 03 9433 3111 during business hours, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm
• Make a face-to-face verbal report at any Council service or facility
• Email Nillumbik’s Child Safe Officers at childsafeofficer@nillumbik.vic.gov.au
• Lodge a complaint by emailing nillumbik@nillumbik.vic.gov.au
• Write to PO BOX 476, Greensborough VIC 3088
• Contact the Commission for Children and Young People

Step 5.What happens next?

Following your report, Council will: 

• Offer support to the relevant people, if you provide your contact details
• Ensure the safety of the children and young people involved
• Hire an independent investigator who will speak with the people involved (if necessary)
• Depending on the facts, make reports to Victoria Police, Commission for Children and Young People or Child Protection. 

Step 6.Outcome

Once the investigation has finished, the relevant people will be notified of the outcome. 

Step 7.Support

Witnessing and discussing child abuse can cause distress. If you need support, you can speak with someone you trust like family or friends. 

Other services include: 

• Lifeline 13 11 14 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online with a Crisis Supporter any time of the day or night.
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or connect with a Kids Helpline counsellor through webchat or email counsellor@kidshelpline.com.au
• The Orange Door 1800 319 355 is available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday or email nema@orangedoor.vic.gov.au
• Yarning Safe n Strong 1800 959 56 is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. A free and confidential counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who need to have a yarn with someone about their wellbeing.
• Headspace Youth mental health service for 12-25 year olds. Hawthorn: 03 9006 6500. Knox: 03 9801 6088 

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