Responding to concerns about the wellbeing of a child

Overview

Regardless of the suspected cause, all concerns about the wellbeing of a child should be taken seriously and acted upon

This includes concerns about the wellbeing of a child that do not appear to be the result of abuse

You have a duty to report and refer wellbeing concerns to the relevant authorities

Additionally, you must ensure that children <a href="https://healthylife7.com/americans-feel-stuck-and-its-making-us-sick/” title=”Americans feel stuck — and it's making us sick”>feel safe and supported at your service

This section will support you to determine how to respond to concerns about the wellbeing of a child that do not appear to be the result of child abuse

When to report wellbeing concerns to The Orange Door

The Orange Door is a hub for referring families to services related to family violence or child wellbeing

You should make a referral to The Orange Door if:

• You have serious concerns about a child’s wellbeing
• Your concerns have a low-to-moderate impact on the child
• The child’s immediate safety is not at risk
• You or your service have discussed the referral with the family and they agree

Concerns to report to The Orange Door include situations where a child’s care or development is significantly affected by:

• Parents without the skills to support their child’s development
• Family conflict or breakdown
• Stress from a family member’s physical or mental illness, substance abuse, or disability
• Vulnerability due to youth, isolation, or lack of support
• Significant social or economic disadvantage.

If you have urgent safety concerns for the child or the family is likely to resist help, report your concerns to Victoria Police or Child Protection

• If you’re unsure who to report to, you can contact either The Orange Door or Child Protection for advice.

When to report wellbeing concerns to Victoria Police

In addition to reporting suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities, you must contact Victoria Police on 000 if:

• The child’s immediate safety is at risk.
• The child is involved in illegal or extreme activities, or poses a high risk to themselves or others.

When to report wellbeing concerns to Child Protection

You can also contact the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Child Protection if you are worried about a child’s wellbeing. This applies when parents are unable or unwilling to address the issues

• Pose serious risks to a child’s safety, stability, or development, including:
  • Abandonment
  • Death of a parent or carer
  • Incapacity of a parent or carer
  • Extreme risk-taking behaviour
  • Harm to an unborn child.
• Are ongoing and deep-rooted, and seriously affect a child’s safety, stability, or development.
• Relate to a parent who cannot or will not protect the child from significant harm.
• Include a belief that the family is unlikely to cooperate in seeking help.

Common grounds for protection

Abandonment

The child has been abandoned by their parents. After reasonable efforts, the parents cannot be found, and there is no other suitable person available to care for the child

Death or incapacity of a parent or carer

The child’s parents have died or are unable to care for them, and there is no other suitable person willing to take responsibility for the child

Extreme risk-taking behaviour (children up to 13 years of age)

The child is engaging in dangerous behaviour that could result in serious injury or death

This may include heavy alcohol or drug use, unsafe sexual behaviour, inhaling solvents, or participating in dangerous activities with peers. If the behaviour is illegal or places the child at immediate risk, you may also need to contact Victoria Police as well as Child Protection

When to report wellbeing concerns to VECRA

Approved services must notify VECRA within the required timeframe of any serious incidents, complaints, or circumstances that pose a risk to the safety, health, or wellbeing of a child

This includes any incident or allegation that physical or sexual abuse of a child has occurred, or is occurring, while the child is being educated and cared for by the service

To make notifications, visit the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA ITS), call VECRA on 1300 307 415, or visit VECRA for more information

Early childhood education and care

Updated 31 July 2026