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Child Protection Perth — Support, Resources & Reporting

At DV Sunrise, child protection in Perth is at the heart of everything we do. Children who grow up in households affected by domestic violence are among the most vulnerable members of our community — and keeping them safe requires awareness, action, and the right support.
Whether you are a parent, carer, educator, or concerned community member, this page brings together everything you need to know about child safety in Perth and across WA — from recognising the warning signs of abuse to understanding how to make a report and what happens next.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 000 now.

What Is Child Protection in WA?

Child protection refers to the range of measures — legal, social, and community-based — taken to prevent abuse and neglect, and to support children and families when concerns arise. In Western Australia, this responsibility is shared between families, communities, and government agencies, with the Department of Communities as the lead body. The legal foundation for child protection in WA is the Children and Community Services Act 2004, which defines when a child is considered to be "in need of protection" and outlines the powers and obligations of the Department. Under this Act, a child may need protection if they have suffered, or are at risk of suffering:
  • Physical abuse, including assault or unreasonable punishment
  • Sexual abuse or exploitation
  • Emotional abuse or psychological harm
  • Neglect — the failure to provide basic necessities including food, shelter, supervision, medical care, or education
  • Exposure to family and domestic violence
At DV Sunrise, we believe that child safety in Perth is everyone's responsibility. Understanding the legislation and knowing what to do when you are concerned makes all the difference.

Recognising the Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect in Perth

Recognising abuse and neglect is not always straightforward. Children may not disclose what is happening to them — and some signs are easily mistaken for everyday childhood difficulties. Knowing what to look for is a critical first step in child protection.

Physical Signs

  • Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or injuries — particularly in unusual locations
  • Injuries that do not match the explanation given
  • Frequent injuries described as "accidents"
  • Signs of malnourishment or poor growth
  • Consistently poor hygiene or inappropriate clothing for the weather

Behavioural & Emotional Signs

  • Sudden changes in behaviour, mood, or school performance
  • Withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem
  • Fear of going home, or fear of a particular adult
  • Aggression or regression (e.g. bedwetting, thumb-sucking in older children)
  • Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour
  • Reluctance to remove clothing for sport or medical checks

Neglect Signs

  • Frequent absences from school with no explanation
  • Always hungry, tired, or asking for food from others
  • No warm clothing in winter; unwashed clothes or body
  • Untreated medical or dental issues
If you notice one or more of these signs, trust your instincts. You do not need to be certain that abuse has occurred to make a report — concern alone is enough.

How Domestic Violence Affects Child Protection in Perth

The link between domestic violence and child protection in Perth is deeply significant. When children live in a home where family violence is occurring, the harm is not limited to what they see. Children are affected by what they hear, by the fear and instability that surrounds them, and by the emotional unavailability of a parent who is a victim.
Under WA law, a child who is exposed to domestic violence — even if they are not physically harmed themselves — is considered to have experienced abuse. This includes:
  • Witnessing violence between parents or carers
  • Hearing arguments, threats, or abuse taking place in the home
  • Experiencing the aftermath — fear, confusion, and disrupted family life
  • Being used as a pawn or messenger in controlling behaviour
At DV Sunrise, our work in child safety in Perth is inseparable from our work supporting domestic violence survivors. When a mother finds safety, her children find safety too. That is why your support of DV Sunrise directly protects children in our community.

How to Report Child Abuse and Neglect in Perth

Reporting concerns about a child's safety is one of the most important things you can do. You do not need proof — if you have a reasonable concern, you can and should make a report. Here is how to do it in Perth and across WA.
Emergency & Crisis Contacts — Perth WA Police / Life-threatening emergency: Call 000 immediatelyDept of Communities — Child Protection Reporting: 1800 273 889 (free call, 24/7)Crisis Care (after hours): (08) 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008 (country callers)Child Helpline (Statewide): 1800 818 700

Step-by-Step: Making a Child Protection Report in WA

  • Identify your concern. You do not need to be certain. A reasonable belief that a child is at risk is enough to make a report.
  • Call the Department of Communities. Phone 1800 273 889 (available 24 hours, 7 days). For urgent situations, call 000 or Crisis Care on (08) 9223 1111 after hours.
  • Describe what you have observed. Give as much detail as you can — the child's name, address, age, and what you witnessed. You do not need to identify yourself, but doing so helps investigators follow up.
  • The Department will assess the report and decide what action to take. They may contact the child's school, GP, or other services involved with the family.
  • If you are a mandatory reporter (teacher, nurse, doctor, police officer, or early childhood worker), you are legally required to report reasonable suspicions of child sexual abuse under WA law.

The Department of Communities — Child Protection Services in WA

The Western Australian Department of Communities is the primary government body responsible for child protection across Perth and WA. Their child and family services include:
  • Assessing and investigating reports of child abuse and neglect, including mandatory reports
  • Working with families to create safe home environments and prevent children from entering out-of-home care
  • Providing out-of-home care — supporting children in foster care, kinship care, or residential placements when they cannot safely remain at home
  • Working with Children Checks for people who work or volunteer with children
  • Counselling and outreach programs for at-risk families in the Perth metro area and regional WA
  • Crisis accommodation and emergency services support for families in immediate need
The Department works in partnership with community organisations — including charities like DV Sunrise — to provide wraparound support for the most vulnerable families in our community.

Working with Children Checks in Perth

A Working with Children (WWC) Check is required for anyone who works or volunteers in a child-related role in Western Australia. This includes teachers, coaches, childcare workers, youth workers, tutors, religious leaders, and volunteers in organisations like DV Sunrise.
The WWC Check is a screening tool that helps protect children from individuals who may pose a risk to their safety. In WA, checks are administered by the Department of Communities and are valid for three years.
  • You can apply online via the WA Government portal
  • The check costs $11 for paid workers; it is free for volunteers
  • From 27 February 2026, all education and care workers must also complete nationally accredited child protection training (CHCPRT025) as part of updated NQF requirements

Child Protection Support Services Available in Perth

Navigating child protection in Perth can be overwhelming — especially for families experiencing domestic violence at the same time. The following services provide free, confidential support:
  • DV Sunrise — Support, education, and resources for families affected by domestic violence in Perth's East Victoria Park area and beyond.
  • Department of Communities — Child protection investigations, family support, and out-of-home care. Call 1800 273 889.
  • Legal Aid WA — Free legal advice if you are involved in child protection proceedings. Call 1300 650 579.
  • Ngala Family Resource Centre — Parenting support, workshops, and counselling for Perth families. Call 9368 9368.
  • Lifeline WA — 24/7 crisis support for adults under extreme stress. Call 13 11 14.
  • 1800RESPECT — National domestic violence and counselling service. Call 1800 737 732.
The Department works in partnership with community organisations — including charities like DV Sunrise — to provide wraparound support for the most vulnerable families in our community.

Frequently Asked Questions — Child Protection Perth

Who do I call to report child abuse in Perth?

To report a concern about a child's safety in Perth, contact the Department of Communities on 1800 273 889 (free call, available 24 hours, 7 days). For life-threatening emergencies, call 000. After hours, contact Crisis Care on (08) 9223 1111. You can report anonymously, but providing your name helps investigators follow up.

What counts as child abuse under WA law?

Under the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (WA), child abuse includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exposure to family and domestic violence. A child is considered to need protection if they have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, any of these forms of harm — even if they have not been physically injured.

Do I need to be sure before reporting concerns about a child?

No. You do not need proof or certainty to make a report. A reasonable concern or suspicion is enough. The Department of Communities will assess the information and decide what action to take. It is always better to report and be wrong than to say nothing and leave a child in harm's way.

Who are mandatory reporters in WA?

In Western Australia, mandatory reporters are legally required to report reasonable beliefs of child sexual abuse to the Department of Communities. Mandatory reporters include doctors, nurses, midwives, teachers (including TAFE lecturers), police officers, psychologists, youth justice workers, school counsellors, boarding supervisors, ministers of religion, out-of-home care workers, and early childhood workers.

Can children be affected by domestic violence even if they are not physically hurt?

Yes. Children who witness or are exposed to domestic violence — even without being physically harmed themselves — experience serious psychological harm. Under WA law, this is recognised as a form of child abuse. The effects can include anxiety, depression, behavioural problems, and long-term impacts on development and relationships. This is why DV Sunrise's work addresses both domestic violence and child protection together.

What is a Working with Children Check in WA and who needs one?

A Working with Children (WWC) Check is a mandatory screening requirement for anyone who works or volunteers with children in Western Australia. This includes teachers, coaches, childcare workers, tutors, youth workers, and volunteers in community organisations. The check costs $11 for paid workers and is free for volunteers. It is valid for three years and is administered by the Department of Communities.

What does the Department of Communities do for child protection in Perth?

The Department of Communities is the WA government agency responsible for child protection across Perth and the state. They investigate reports of abuse and neglect, provide family support services, manage Working with Children Checks, oversee fostering and adoption, and provide crisis accommodation. Their goal is to keep children safely with their families wherever possible, while protecting children who are at serious risk.

How can DV Sunrise help families concerned about child protection in Perth?

DV Sunrise supports Perth families affected by domestic violence — and because DV and child protection are so closely linked, our work directly contributes to child safety. We provide information, referrals to local support services, and community advocacy. We can help connect you with the right services for your situation. Contact us at dvsunriseperth@gmail.com or visit our support services page.
How You Can Help

Together, We Keep Perth's Children Safer

  • DV Sunrise is a Perth-based charity working to protect children and support families affected by domestic violence. When you donate or volunteer, you help fund the education and outreach programs that keep our most vulnerable children safe.

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