Children and young people can be harmed when things get out of hand. Stress, lack of support, and having problems with alcohol or drugs can all contribute to children being hurt. It is normal for parents and carers to feel stressed, angry or upset sometimes and talking about these feelings with friends, families or supports in the community can be helpful.
It can be confusing to know what to do when you think someone you know has or may harm a child. It is important that you discuss your concerns with people such as child health nurses, social workers or staff at your local Department for Child Protection metropolitan or country office during office hours. After hours, contact
Crisis Care on (08) 9223 1111 or
1800 199008 (freecall for STD callers).
There are a number of services and organisations which can help, provide advice or support are listed under Helplines.
Seek support and advice
Child abuse may happen when stressed parents or caregivers lack support. Children can get hurt when things get out of hand. If feelings of anger or stress start to take over you need to talk to families, friends, support persons, counsellors, support services in the community or staff at your local Department for Child Protection metropolitan or country office during office hours. After hours, contact Crisis Care on (08) 9223 1111 or 1800 199008 (freecall for STD callers).
Information on keeping children safe is availabe: How do I recognise when a child is at risk of abuse or neglect? (PDF, 258kb) and Keeping Our Kids Safe (PDF, 1175kb)
Report your concerns
Everyone in the community can help break the cycle of child abuse and neglect.
Telling the Department for Child Protection about concerns for the child's wellbeing, including safety, can be the first important step in keeping the child safe.
The Department will assess the concerns and undertake an investigation, if appropriate, to determine if a child is in need of protection. As part of this process, the Department will gather information and assess the circumstances that led to the abuse or the harm, who was responsible for harming the child and what needs to happen to make certain the child is safe.
If you are worried about the safety and wellbeing of a child, it is important that you talk to someone you trust and who knows the child and his/her family.
If you believe a child or young person is in need of immediate assistance contact the Western Australia Police on
131444 or 000 for life threatening emergencies.
If you think that others may need to step in to ensure that the child will be safe and looked after then you can talk to an officer from the local metropolitan or country Department for Child Protection office during office hours.
After hours contact Crisis Care on:
(08) 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008 (freecall for STD callers).