After a report is made

What happens once a report is made to the Mandatory Reporting Service?
The Mandatory Reporting Service will provide a copy of all written reports to the Western Australia Police. The Service will also provide any other information that may assist the Western Australia Police in the administration of their responsibilities.

The Mandatory Reporting Service will undertake an initial assessment when it receives a report regarding possible sexual abuse of a child.

The assessment process could include reviewing, collating and evaluating information from existing sources, and contacting other professionals who may be working with the child and who may be able to provide further information.

The assessment process may result in a decision to investigate. An investigation may include workers from the Department of Communities - Child Protection and Family Support and/or the Western Australia Police speaking with the child and the child’s family or carers. A range of measures may be implemented to safeguard the child, if necessary, following an investigation.

Not all reports will result in an investigation or contact with the child and their family.

Will the Department of Communities - Child Protection and Family Support or the Western Australia Police contact the child and their family?
Where possible, the Department will work with the family to support them to care for the children within the family. An investigation may include workers from the Department and/or the Western Australia Police speaking with the child and the child’s family or carers.

Will a mandatory reporter be contacted after a report is made?
As part of the assessment or investigation process, reporters may be contacted by workers from the Department and/or the Western Australia Police for further or updated information.

Will a mandatory reporter receive feedback about a report?
The Mandatory Reporting Service will provide a standardised letter to the reporter advising that the report has been received and providing a receipt number. If further assessment is recommended the letter will state which District Office the report has been referred to and that the report has been referred to the WA Police.

Can a mandatory reporter contact the Department to request the outcome of a report?
Yes. A mandatory reporter can contact the Department about the outcome of a report. Information will be shared with the reporter, if possible, after taking into account any legal restrictions or other relevant considerations, such as the status of any investigation.

If the standarised letter about a report indicates that the report has been referred to a District Office of Child Protection and Family Support, then the reporter should contact the relevant District Office.