Just for the children Childrens Resource Library Other Documents - Child Specific "Failure to Disclose" offence
An offence for failure to disclose child sexual abuse came into force on 27 October 2014. This offence has been introduced as part of the Crimes Amendment (Protection of Children) Act 2014, in response to a recommendation from the report of the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Non-Government Organisations, Betrayal of Trust.
The new offence requires that any adult (aged 18 and over) who holds a reasonable belief that a sexual offence has been committed in Victoria by an adult against a child (aged under 16) disclose that information to police (unless they have a reasonable excuse).
The Fact sheet is intended to clarify reporting obligations for Department of Human Services (DHS) staff and funded organisations. It should be read together with the general information fact sheet on the new ‘failure to disclose’ offence also available on the Department of Justice website.
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Sector Highlights
Peak bodies analysis of this years State Government Budget
What are the peak bodies saying. We hear from CHP, CHFV and VCOSS
Council to Homeless Persons (CHP)
The Council to Homeless persons has congratulated the Victorian Government on the significant investments in housing, homelessness and family violence announced in this year's State Budget. While many of the commitments outlined in the Budget had been announced previously, they are worth recognising a second time; in particular, the Government’s major housing centrepiece Homes for Victorians, which includes $1 billion commitment to a Social Housing Growth fund. The other big news in this year's budget was the $1.9 billion investment in family violence services. Given the insidious relationship between homelessness and family violence, this commitment is highly commended.