"Failure to Disclose" offence

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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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Beyond 18

Beyond 18: The Longitudinal Study on Leaving Care is a long-term research project about the lives of young people in out-of-home care and their experiences of leaving care in Victoria. It is the first of its kind to be conducted in Victoria.

The purpose of the study is to inform government policy in supporting more effective transitions for young people from out-of-home care. In particular, it will aim to improve young people’s move towards interdependent relationships and eventual independence by:

  • Providing insights into the critical success factors associated with transition from out-of-home care

  • Proposing ways of enhancing out-of-home care

  • Proposing improvements in the transition from care

  • Proposing improvements post transition from care

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