The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has child protection standards to ensure that all partners (as defined in the DFAT Child Protection Policy 2025) understand and act on their obligations for managing risks to children.

All organisations and individual contractors must report immediately any suspected or alleged case of child exploitation, abuse or harm in connection with DFAT official duties or business to childprotection@dfat.gov.au.

Frequently asked questions

Please let us know at childprotection@dfat.gov.au of any resources or FAQs that you would like to see available on the website.

Where can I go for guidance on developing a child protection policy?

ACFID's Guidelines for the Development of a Child Protection Policy [PDF] provides guidance on the process of developing a child protection policy. For guidance on the DFAT requirements, please read our Child Protection Policy 2025 or email childprotection@dfat.gov.au.

Where can I get updates on child protection in Australia?

The National Child Protection Clearing house collects, produces and distributes information and resources; conducts research; and offers specialist advice on the latest developments in child exploitation and abuse prevention, child protection and associated violence.

Where can I find Australia's national framework for child protection?

The first national framework for protecting Australia's children, Protecting Children is Everyone's Business: National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2009–2020 was endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments on 30 April 2009.

In 2013, the Australian Government appointed a Royal Commission to inquire into institutional responses to child sexual abuse. In August 2017, in response to the Royal Commission, the Australian Government committed to the development and implementation of a new Commonwealth Child Safe Framework to protect children and young people who may have contact with Commonwealth entities.

The Framework provides guidance and minimum standards for Commonwealth entities to ensure a safe environment for children and includes four key requirements including i) risk assessment and mitigation, ii) training and compliance, iii) national principles for child safe organisations, and iv) annual child safety statement.

Is there any training available on handling child protection investigations?

The NSW Ombudsman runs workshops that are designed for those who undertake and review investigations of reportable conduct allegations involving employees. As well as providing an overview of employer's obligations under the Ombudsman Act, participants also examine the steps in the investigation process, risk assessment and management.