When a child might not be safe
At a glance
- Understand how children are kept safe – Learn how child safety works in NSW, including the laws, services, and shared responsibility to protect children.
- Know what to look for – Recognise signs of abuse and neglect, and understand that concerns aren’t always clear or obvious.
- Know when and how to speak up – Find out when to report concerns, who to contact, and how mandatory reporting works.
- Understand what happens next – Learn what usually happens after a report is made and how decisions focus on safety and support.
See how families are supported – Understand how early help, family support, and preservation services can prevent harm and keep children safe.
Protecting our children and young people from harm is everyone’s job Image credit: Ben Wicks
Need help right now?
If you believe a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, contact the Child Protection Helpline on 13 21 11
(available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
Keeping children safe
Children are safest when the adults around them notice concerns early and respond with care. Keeping children safe includes:
- listening to children and taking their worries seriously
- understanding signs of abuse or neglect
- knowing who to contact for help or advice
- working together to support families and prevent harm
🔗 Learn more:Keeping children safe
Reporting a child at risk
If you’re worried about a child or young person, you can contact the Child Protection Helpline for advice or to make a report. You don’t need proof—just a reasonable concern.
Reporting is about protecting children and offering support, not blaming families.
🔗 Learn more:Reporting a child at risk
🔗 Related:Should I call to report a child at risk?
Signs of child abuse and neglect
Abuse and neglect can affect children in different ways. Signs may be physical, emotional, or behavioural, and they may change over time.
Not all children show clear signs, and many try hard to hide what’s happening.
🔗 Learn more:Signs of abuse
Child at risk of harm and neglect
This section explains what “risk of significant harm” means under NSW law and how concerns are assessed. It also outlines how safety decisions are made with the child’s wellbeing at the centre.
🔗 Learn more:Child at risk of harm and neglect
If a child tells you about abuse
If a child or young person tells you they’ve been hurt or feel unsafe, how you respond matters. Staying calm, listening, and getting the right help can make a big difference.
You don’t need to investigate or have all the answers—your role is to support and pass on concerns.
🔗 Learn more:If a child tells you about abuse
If a parent tells you about child abuse
Sometimes a parent or carer may share concerns about abuse or neglect. This section explains how to respond respectfully, what to do next, and how support can be offered to keep children safe.
🔗 Learn more:If a parent tells you about child abuse
Mandatory reporters
Some professionals are legally required to report concerns about children at risk, including carers, teachers, health workers, and others working with children.
This section explains:
- who is a mandatory reporter
- what must be reported
- legal protections for people who report
🔗 Learn more:Mandatory reporters
What happens after a report is made?
Many people worry about what happens once they call the Child Protection Helpline. Not every report leads to statutory action. In many cases, families are linked with support services to help keep children safe at home.
🔗 Learn more:
- What happens once a report is made to the Child Protection Helpline?
- What happens if my child is reported to the Child Protection Helpline?
Supporting families and keeping kids safe
Keeping children safe often means supporting families early. Services may include:
- family support and parenting help
- counselling and therapeutic services
- practical support during stressful times
This approach recognises that families can face complex challenges and that support can prevent harm.
🔗 Learn more:Family preservation and services that keep kids safe