Friends, neighbours and family members often contribute to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people by supporting and assisting parents experiencing difficulties. Child health workers, doctors, teachers, social workers or officers of the Department for Child Protection are available to provide advice and guidance when someone has concerns for a child.

When a child is not safe or cannot be made safe in his or her family environment, officers of the Department for Child Protection and the Western Australia Police, and in some circumstances, doctors in hospitals, are empowered through legislation to take protective action.

Sexual abuse and serious physical abuse causing injury to a child are examples of criminal assault that must be reported to the Police.

Expressions of concern for children or reports of child abuse and neglect made to the Department for Child Protection or the Police are assessed.

If a child is in need of protection, the Department for Child Protection commits to working with the child’s parents and family to address the concerns and build safety by strengthening the capacity of individuals, families and communities to provide for their wellbeing. In most cases, families can care well for their children if they receive the appropriate assistance and response.

In circumstances where it is clear that a child cannot remain safely with his or her parents, actions are taken under the State’s child protection legislation and the matter is heard before the Western Australian Children’s Court. Removing a child from the care of his or her parents is a very significant action. Such decisions are always made with careful consideration about what is in the best interests of the child. If it is safe to do so, the child will be returned to the care of his or her family. Where the return of the child is not possible, stable and safe out-of-home care is provided.

Contact between children and their parents and others important to them, such as grandparents and extended family members, is supported wherever it is appropriate and safe to do so.

Children who are in out-of-home care or living away from their parents are provided with additional support to ensure that their needs are met and that they experience no further harm.