The Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 has been amended to allow all registered medical practitioners and general practice nurses access to the NSW Health Child Wellbeing Unit. This legislative change reflects the important role private health professionals play in identifying and responding to vulnerable families.
Registered medical practitioners and general practice nurses can now contact the NSW Health Child Wellbeing Unit to seek advice if they have concerns about the safety, welfare and wellbeing of a child, young person, or an unborn child.
The NSW Health Child Wellbeing Unit is a telephone support service staffed by child protection professionals proficient in the assessment and management of risk to children and young people.
The service can:
All contacts with the NSW Health Child Wellbeing Unit are documented in a state-wide interagency database. Where required, the NSW Health Child Wellbeing Unit can report high risk matters to the Child Protection Helpline on your behalf.
You should call the NSW Health Child Wellbeing Unit when:
If you suspect a child or young person is at imminent risk of significant harm, call the Child Protection Helpline (24/7) directly on 13 21 11.
The NSW Health Child Wellbeing Unit is available Monday to Friday between 8:30am to 5pm on 1300 480 420.
If you are calling after hours, please leave a message, or use the After Hours Contact Form to provide some specific information about your concerns. A Child Wellbeing Unit worker will normally respond the next business day, using the contact details you provide.