(Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle)
Newy 87.8 FM – The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has advised that the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is taking six to eight weeks to review online child protection E-reports from the time of submission.
The Diocese said DCJ is experiencing high reporting numbers, which has increased the timeframes in which Risk of Significant Harm (ROSH) reports are reviewed, assessed and allocated.
Because of the delay, E-reports are likely to be closed before any review is undertaken by a staff member, according to the advice issued on Thursday.
The Diocese said online reporting is best suited to non-imminent Risk of Significant Harm concerns. Many staff within the Diocese are required as part of their role to submit ROSH reports to DCJ.
Anyone holding concerns for a child involving physical abuse, sexual abuse, family violence, an injury to a child, or a child in serious and immediate danger is urged to contact the Child Protection Helpline directly on 132 111.
Any member of the community, including mandatory reporters, who suspects on reasonable grounds that a child or young person is at risk of significant harm should report their concerns to the Helpline.
The Diocese also reminded reporters that the Mandatory Reporters Guide (MRG) is a tool to assist in how to report concerns. Results from the MRG are not saved or sent to DCJ, as it is not a live or monitored program.
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