Improving Child Safety

Anyone can raise a child safety concern about a Council service, program, event, staff member or volunteer.

We encourage children, young people, families and community members to speak up at any time if they are worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing. You do not need to be certain that something is wrong to raise a concern. If something feels unsafe, worrying or not okay, we want to know.

A child safe concern can be reported these ways:

• In person: Visit Customer Service at The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat
• By phone: Call Customer Service on 5320 5500 and ask to speak with a Child Safe Officer
• By email: childsafe@ballarat.vic.gov.au
• Download and print: Child Safety Incident report Form - return details are included at the bottom of the form

Children and young people have the right to be supported when raising a concern. They can choose to have help from someone they trust, such as a family member, carer, friend or another adult who helps them feel safe.

A support person can:

• Be present with the child or young person when a concern is raised, or
• Raise the concern on their behalf

All child safety concerns are taken seriously. We are committed to:

• Listening respectfully and without judgement
• Supporting children and young people to feel safe and heard
• Responding appropriately and taking action to help prevent harm

Children and young people will not get in trouble for speaking up. Creating safe ways to raise concerns is our responsibility.

You should make a report to Child Protection if you have formed a reasonable belief that a child has suffered or is likely to suffer significant harm as a result of abuse of neglect and their parent has not or is unlikely to protect them from harm of that type.

• West Division Intake: 1300 664 977
  Monday to Friday, 8.45am-5pm
• After Hours: 13 12 78
  Monday to Friday, 5pm-9am and 24 hours on weekends and Public Holidays 
  For further information, visit Child protection - DFFH Services

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

Qualified counsellors at Kids Helpline are available anytime and for any reason.

Kids Helpline is a safe place for young people to talk about anything that is worrying them. This might include feeling sad, stressed, unsafe, confused, or alone. You can talk to a trained counsellor who listens without judgement and helps you work through what’s going on.

You can call, chat online, or send an email, whatever feels easiest for you.

Phone: 1800 55 1800
Connect online: kidshelpline.com.au

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? eheadspace is here for you. Talk about what’s on your mind, get information about what help is available and how you can build new coping skills.

eHeadspace supports young people with things like stress, anxiety, low mood, school or work worries, and relationships. You can talk with a mental health professional who will go at your pace and help you feel understood.

eheadspace is a national online or phone mental health support service for young people aged 12-25, and for family who are seeking support about how to help a young person aged 12-25 in their life.

Phone: 1800 650 890 - available 3pm-10pm every day
Connect online: headspace.org.au - Chat online, send an email, make an appointment and learn more about the support available.

Free and confidential service available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone. Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages, this service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

13YARN is a safe place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to talk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counsellors. You can call if you’re feeling upset, overwhelmed, or just need someone to yarn with.

You do not need to be in a crisis to call. You can simply share what’s going on and be listened to with care and respect.

Phone: 13 92 76
Connect online: 13yarn.org.au

Available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.

1800RESPECT supports people who are experiencing or have experienced sexual harm, family violence, or feeling unsafe in relationships. You can also contact them if you are supporting someone else or unsure what to do.

The service is private and supportive. You can talk anonymously, and interpreters are available if needed.

Call: 1800 737 732
Text: 0458 737 732
Connect online: 1800respect.org.au - You can chat or video call online.

Mental health support, 24/7

Beyond Blue offers support if you are feeling sad, worried, anxious, or overwhelmed. You can speak with a trained counsellor or use online chat. Their website also has easy to read information and tools that can help you understand your feelings and find ways to cope.

Support is also available for people caring for or supporting someone else.

Phone: 1300 22 4636
Connect online: beyondblue.org.au

24/7 support in a crisis or when things feel too much.

Lifeline is available if you are feeling very distressed, unsafe, or overwhelmed. You can call at any time to talk with someone who will listen calmly and respectfully.

You do not have to be in immediate danger to contact Lifeline. You can also use online chat or text support if talking feels too hard.

Call: 13 11 14
Text: 0477 131 114
Connect online: lifeline.org.au - Chat is available 24/7

Telephone and webchat support are available from 3pm – 9pm everyday

QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

Phone: 1800 184 527
Connect online: qlife.org.au 

Operating 10am - 5pm, 7 days a week, you can call, text or email.

Rainbow Door is a free helpline and specialist support service for LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and families.

Call: 1800 729 367 
Text: 0480 017 246
Email: support@rainbowdoor.org.au
Visit the website: rainbowdoor.org.au

• Reporting child abuse is the important first step in helping children and young people who are experiencing abuse and neglect.
• Child abuse can have a devastating impact on the lives of children and young people and failing to report means that the child or young person could continue to experience abuse.
• Taking action ensures that children, young people and families get the help and support they need.
• When concerns, disclosures or allegations are not acted upon, the perpetrator can keep abusing children and may move from organisation to organisation, community to community or continue to abuse within their own family.

• Victoria Police
• Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
• Vic Gov - Mandatory Reporting
• Betrayal of Trust Inquiry in 2013
• Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in 2017
• Rapid Child Safety Review 2025

Child abuse is defined as an act (or series of acts) that endangers a child or young person’s physical or emotional and development. It may include:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Grooming
• Neglect
• Family Violence

All adults in Victoria have a responsibility to report if they know or suspect that a child is being abused.
We all have a role to play in keeping children and young people safe from abuse and harm. If you suspect or know a child or young person is being abused, you must report it.

To learn more visit Vic Gov - Types of child abuse and what to look for

• Orange Door Central Highlands
• One Talk at a Time Animation
• eSafetykids
• eSafety young people
• eSafety Commissioner
• Emerging Minds
• Minus 18
• Racism. It stops with me
• Trauma and children – tips for parents and carers
• Bravehearts