Mandatory reporting obligations for WA have changed: ECEC employees must note

West Australian Early Childhood Workers and associated staff under section 125A of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 are now mandated to report child sexual abuse to the Department of Communities’ Mandatory Reporting Service.

Early Childhood Workers are part of the eight new mandatory reporter groups that are being implemented through a staggered approach following the passing of the Children and Community Services Amendment Act 2021. 

Mandatory reporter groups in Western Australia are being expanded over a two year period to also include registered psychologists, school counsellors and youth justice workers.

The expansion is being managed in stages to ensure each group receives the necessary training and support to fulfil their new reporting obligations. Free mandatory reporter online training and resources have been made available to support the various reporting groups to understand their responsibilities.

For more information and to access free mandatory reporter online training, visit Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse in WA.

Any person with concerns about a child’s wellbeing is urged to notify the Department of Communities, regardless of whether that person is a mandatory reporter. 

This enables authorities to assess the circumstances and take action to protect the child and other children where necessary. 

Life-threatening concerns about a child should be reported to the police on 000.