DFAT maintains a zero tolerance approach to child abuse, and exploitation. This chapter sets out the responsibilities of all DFAT staff in Australia and overseas to protect children from exploitation, abuse or harm in carrying out their official duties including in the context of our consular and passports work, public diplomacy activities as well as in delivering development assistance. It also sets out reporting obligations for all staff in instances where child abuse/exploitation is suspected.

Given the diverse work of the department, DFAT employees regularly come into contact with and are required to engage with minors (children under 18 years of age). Where staff have reason to believe that a child or group of children may be or have been the subject of exploitation, abuse or harm they are under a strict obligation to immediately report this through the appropriate channels as described below. Staff should remain mindful of the fact that acts of child abuse/exploitation attract criminal sanction under relevant Australian laws, many of which have extra-territorial application.

It is important DFAT staff seek to identify, mitigate, manage and reduce the risks of child exploitation, abuse or harm while carrying out official duties, including by maintaining highest standards of probity when engaging with children.

10.1 What is child abuse/exploitation/child harm?

10.1.1 Broadly defined, child abuse (maltreatment) is the act or failure to act by a person that results in actual or potential harm to a minor (person under 18 years of age). It includes all forms of physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect and can occur in private or public spaces.

10.1.2 Child exploitation is the act of using a minor for profit, labour, sexual gratification, or some other personal or financial advantage.

10.1.3 Child harm is a detrimental effect on a child's physical, psychological or emotional well-being. Harm may be caused by financial, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, and/or sexual abuse or exploitation whether intended or unintended.

10.2 What policies and guidelines does DFAT have in place in relation to the protection of children?

10.2.1 The department has a range of targeted guidelines and standards in place to ensure the protection of children in relation to the department's core work. Staff should familiarise themselves with these and ensure they abide by them.

• DFAT has specific child protection guidelines and standards in place, which apply to all partners engaged and funded by DFAT for the delivery of Australian activities and programs overseas. See the Child Protection Policy 2017. DFAT will not knowingly engage – directly or indirectly – anyone who poses a risk to children and reserves the right to terminate any funding relationship where an implementing partner has contravened their contractual obligations to protect children. Individuals or organisations funded by DFAT, and who have contact with children, are required to undertake a risk assessment and implement appropriate child safe practices in their operations and activities. Contact: Child Protection Section (tel: x5100 email: childprotection@dfat.gov.au)
• Comprehensive guidance on how DFAT consular officers must manage children's issues is contained in Chapter 11 of the DFAT Consular Handbook. The Handbook provides specific guidance on the manner in which consular officers must approach and report on allegations of or suspected instances of child abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Contact: Consular Operations Branch.
• To protect against the risk of child abduction, Australia applies stringent processes in relation to the issuing of child passports. The department also provides advice and assistance in relation to child alert requests. Contact: Australian Passport Office (email: CREC-Passports@dfat.gov.au)
• In photographing or filming children for Public Diplomacy purposes the department requires consent to be sought from a parent or guardian as outlined in the Public Diplomacy Handbook. Care should also be taken to ensure that local traditions or restrictions for reproducing personal images are adhered to, that images present children in a dignified and respectful way and protect a child's identity. Contact: Advocacy, Events and Outreach Section, Public Diplomacy and Communications Division.

10.3 How do I identify child abuse/ exploitation?

• Child abuse or exploitation may be difficult to detect given that an abused child will often be afraid to disclose information about their abuse, feel guilty, ashamed and or confused. Specific signs and symptoms of abuse will depend on the type of abuse and will vary from case to case. Among other things: physical abuse may be identified in instances where a child suffers unexplained injuries, burns, fractures, or bruises or in instances where injuries are left untreated.
• Sexual abuse may be identified in instances where a child exhibits sexual behaviour or knowledge inappropriate for their age; trouble walking/sitting and complaints of genital pain; exhibits inappropriate sexual behaviour to other children.
• Emotional abuse may be identified in instances where a child exhibits delayed or inappropriate emotional development; low confidence or self-esteem; social withdrawal; loss of previously acquired developmental skills.
• Symptoms of neglect might include poor height or weight gain; poor hygiene; eating a lot in one sitting or hiding food for later; lack of appropriate medical care for dental, physical or psychological conditions.

10.3.1 Identifying abusive or exploitative behaviour by adults towards children may be indicated (among other things) by:

• Unusual/ excessive interest in the sexual development of a child.
• Insisting on hugging, kissing or wrestling with a child in spite of protestations from the child.
• Insisting on time alone with the child with no interruptions.
• Frequently walk in on children/teenagers in the bathroom.
• Picking on a particular child.
• Showing little interest/ regard for a child in their care.
• Harshly blaming, belittling or berating a child.
• Using harsh physical discipline.
• Appearing unable to recognise emotional or physical distress in a child.
• Unusual/excessive gift giving.

10.4 Officers seeking guidance or advice in relation to child protection issues may wish to contact:

• Child Protection Section (childprotection@dfat.gov.au, tel: (02) 6178 5100)
• Ethics, Integrity and Professional Standards Section (childwelfare@dfat.gov.au, tel: (02) 6261 9202)
• Transnational Crime Section (transnational.crime@dfat.gov.au, tel: (02) 6261 9559)
• DFAT Medical Unit (medicalunit.helpdesk@dfat.gov.au, tel: (02) 6261 1128)
• DFAT Staff and Family Support Office (sfo@dfat.gov.au, tel: (02) 6261 1239)

To whom should I report suspected instances of child abuse/exploitation?

To ensure appropriate handling of any instances of alleged or suspected child abuse, officers must report to the Ethics, Integrity and Professional Standards Section via childwelfare@dfat.gov.au