Child Abuse and Neglect: a socio-legal Study of Mandatory Reporting in Australia

Key data findings and interpretations: ACT

Key legislative changes and hypotheses

At 1 January 2003: Large range of reporter groups; applies only to non-accidental physical injury and sexual abuse – no qualification of extent of harm – HYPOTHESISE low numbers of reports of neglect and emotional abuse

1 August 2006: Clarification that no need to report if reporter believes someone else already has – HYPOTHESISE Reduction of multiple reports for same child

27 October 2008: Clarification that paid teacher aides and child carers are mandated reporters - HYPOTHESISE Potential increase in reports by teacher aides and child carers, especially of physical abuse

Note also contextual factors: 2003 Standing Committee report Aug 2003 (concern about lack of reporting); 2004 Vardon Report into safety of children in care

NB low child population 72,000-77,000.

NB ACT has caller-defined notifications, which can be expected to inflate the number of notifications

Note: when interpreting several trends, the research team suggested that resource constraints may have played some role in contributing to a trend. During the feedback process, this suggestion was disputed by ACT agency staff. For the purposes of the research report, we have retained the research team’s suggestion but it is fair to note that this was refuted by the agency.