The Guidelines for Protecting Children 2009 replace the Guidelines for Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect and the impact of Family and Domestic Violence 2004. The revised Guidelines are available via http://cahs.hdwa.health.wa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/68381/2193CHILDABUSEGUIDELINES.pdf
Revised in response to the Coroner’s recommendation (June 2009) into the death of a child, the Guidelines were reviewed and reflect the introduction of legislation relating to mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse introduced in January 2009.

The Operational Directive OD 0218/09 http://intranet.health.wa.gov.au/circularsnew/circular.cfm?Circ_ID=12541
The Guidelines for Protecting Children state all WA Health workers are required to comply with the new Guidelines. A training and information package is being developed to support the use of the Guidelines and further information will be provided once available.

Two A3 posters have been developed from the Guidelines that provide handy reference guides:

• What to Do – A Summary
• Useful Contacts

Please contact the SPOCC Unit on (08) 6216 7700 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it if you would like copies of the posters or further information on the Guidelines.