Citation

Mendes P. Aust. Social Work 1996; 49(4): 25-32.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/03124079608411185

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article explores the historical and political debate concerning mandatory reporting of child abuse in Victoria. The argument advanced here is that the decision by the Victorian Government to introduce mandatory reporting in early 1993 reflected narrow political priorities, rather than any concern for enhanced service or practice outcomes. As a result, Victoria has witnessed a short-sighted shift of resources from child abuse prevention and support to child abuse investigations. A massive increase in reports of child abuse and neglect forced the government to employ large numbers of extra child protection workers, but the government simultaneously implemented severe cuts to child welfare support services. Today, the Victorian child protection system is arguably less able ? rather than more able ? to protect children from significant harm.