Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse

Before 1993, the current law covering child abuse was the Children and Young Persons Act 1989 (Vic) which stated that "any person who believes on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection may notify a protective intervener" . This system of voluntary reporting was replaced by mandatory reporting with the passing of the Children and Young Persons (Further Amendment) Act 1993 (Vic). These amendments were introduced to achieve stricter control over child abuse, by compelling certain …

…system will have to deal with an increase in the number of unsubstantiated reports, in turn placing pressure upon the system and having an impact upon individuals and society as a whole. Bibliography Children and Young Persons Act 1989 (Vic) Children and Young Persons (Further Amendment) Act 1993 (Vic) 'Judge Slams law'. Herald Sun, 27th February, 1993 'Community Groups at odds over reporting' Canberra Times 20th March 1993 Aldous J. VCTA Publishing, 1993 'Save Our Children'. Herald Sun, 1st March, 1993