About our service
We work with families, communities and partner agencies to protect children and young people from abuse, neglect and domestic or family violence.
Our child protection team is part of the Integrated Violence Prevention & Response Service (IVPRS), with a focus on early support, intervention and recovery to help families create safe and nurturing environments.
We provide:
- responses to reports of child safety and wellbeing concerns
- advice and support for families and community partners
- specialist counselling for children, young people and families affected by abuse or neglect.
All our child protection services are free and confidential.
Understanding child abuse and neglect
Child abuse is any physical, emotional or sexual harm that causes actual or potential damage to a child’s health or development.
Neglect happens when a child’s basic needs are not met and their wellbeing is affected.
Examples include:
- not providing nutritious food or suitable clothing
- not arranging medical care or keeping a clean, safe home
- leaving children without proper supervision.
If you think a child is being harmed or neglected, it is important to report your concerns.
Contacts and support
The following services provide advice, support and specialist care for children, young people and families. You can contact them for help, to report concerns about a child’s safety, or to access counselling and referral services.
Phone: 132 111 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
Qualified caseworkers at the Child Protection Helpline answer all reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. They assess the information provided and take steps to protect children or young people from harm.
If a child is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
Phone: 1300 480 420
The NSW Health Child Wellbeing Unit provides advice and support to health workers. Staff can help assess a child’s level of risk, use the Mandatory Reporter Guide, and refer high-risk matters to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Child Protection Helpline.
Visit the NSW Health website for more information.
Child Wellbeing Coordinators help health staff recognise and respond to concerns about child safety, welfare and wellbeing. They also link Local Health Districts with the Child Wellbeing Unit (CWU) and local support services.
Local Health District contacts:
| Local Health District | Phone number |
|---|---|
| Central Coast | (02) 4352 4117 |
| Far West | (02) 8080 1291 |
| Hunter New England | (02) 4924 6372 or (02) 4352 4117 |
| Illawarra Shoalhaven | (02) 4224 2900 |
| Mid North Coast | (02) 6568 0307 |
| Murrumbidgee | (02) 5943 2420 |
| Nepean Blue Mountains | (02) 4734 2512 |
| Northern NSW | (02) 6603 0900 |
| Northern Sydney | (02) 9462 9266 |
| South Eastern Sydney | (02) 9382 8698 |
| South Western Sydney | (02) 9780 2803 |
| Southern NSW | (02) 6150 7577 |
| Sydney | (02) 9378 1333 |
| Western NSW | (02) 6809 8681 |
| Western Sydney | (02) 9881 8787 |
Phone: 1300 403 373 (Mount Druitt Family Referral Service)
Family Referral Services (FRS) support children, young people and families who do not meet the threshold for statutory child protection intervention but still need help.
FRS link families with local services to address problems early, prevent escalation and create safer, more nurturing environments.
Find your nearest service on the Family Referral Service website.
Phone: (02) 9881 8787
The Child Protection Counselling Service (CPCS) offers specialist counselling for children, young people and families who have experienced:
- physical abuse
- emotional abuse
- neglect
- exposure to domestic or family violence.
Our psychologists, social workers and counsellors provide trauma-informed, family-centred support tailored to your needs. Counselling usually runs for 3 to 18 months and may include:
- individual counselling
- family sessions
- group programs for parents, carers or children.
Who we care for
Children, young people and families involved in the NSW child protection system.
How to access this service
You can be referred by:
- Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ)
- Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP)
- Non-government organisations
- NSW Health Services
A counsellor will contact you to arrange your first meeting and discuss your family’s needs.
Parent Line
Parent Line is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers with children aged 0-18 years who live in NSW. Call: 1300 1300 52.
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is a free telephone and online counselling service for young people aged between five and twenty five. Call: 1800 55 1800.
1800Respect
1800Respect is a free information, counselling and support service for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call: 1800 737 732.