The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has minimum child protection standards to ensure that all funded partners (as defined in the DFAT Child Protection Policy 2017) understand and act on their obligations for managing risks to children.

All organisations and individual contractors must report immediately any suspected or alleged case of child exploitation, abuse or policy non-compliance in connection with official duties or business. All reports should be made to childwelfare@dfat.gov.au.

Frequently asked questions

Please let us know at childprotection@dfat.gov.au of any resources or FAQs that you would like to see available on the website.

Where can I go for guidance on developing a child protection policy?

ACFID's Guidelines for the Development of a Child Protection Policy provides guidance on the process of developing a child protection policy. For guidance on the DFAT requirements, please read our Child Protection Policy or email childprotection@dfat.gov.au.

Where can I get updates on child protection in Australia?

The National Child Protection Clearinghouse collects, produces and distributes information and resources; conducts research; and offers specialist advice on the latest developments in child exploitation and abuse prevention, child protection and associated violence.

Where can I find Australia's national framework for child protection?

The first national framework for protecting Australia's children, Protecting Children is Everyone's Business: National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2009–2020 was endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments on 30 April 2009.

In response to the increasing number of Australian children who were being exposed to child exploitation, abuse and neglect, the Australian Government and state and territory governments agreed to work together to implement a comprehensive national approach to protecting children.

The National Framework outlines an ambitious, long term national approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of Australian children. It aims to deliver a substantial and sustained reduction in levels of child exploitation, abuse and neglect.

The Action Plan (2015-18) sets out how all governments will take forward the actions identified in the third three-year action plan of the National Framework.

Is there any training available on handling child protection investigations?

The NSW Ombudsman runs workshops that are designed for those who undertake and review investigations of reportable conduct allegations involving employees. As well as providing an overview of employer's obligations under the Ombudsman Act, participants also examine the steps in the investigation process, risk assessment and management.