The DHHS Child Protection Litigation Office ('CPLO') is the Department's legal unit. The CPLO is responsible for providing legal advice and representation for the Department in all matters before the Family Division of the Children's Court. Child Protection is part of the Victorian Department of Human Services. Child Protection provides child-centred, family-focused services to protect children and young people from significant harm resulting from abuse or neglect within the family. It also aims to make sure that children and young people receive services to deal with the impact Parents are automatically parties to Family Division (Child Protection) court proceedings. If you want to be apply to be joined as a party, contact the registry staff at the court where the case is being heard. You should also notify the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) of your application. Key messages. Vulnerable children exposed to child abuse and neglect need protection and support so they have the best chance in life. Health services and health professionals have a responsibility to protect and promote the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children. Legislation requires health services staff to report suspected child abuse. Child Protection Services Manual. Chapter 1: Overview of Manual (Back to table of contents) Section 0.0: Revisions . Original Date: February 2016 Revised/Approved: Page 6 of . 604. 0.0 Revisions . April 2016 . Ministry of Social Services Child Protection Services Manual Chapter 1: Overview of Practice tools. We have a toolkit and checklist available for lawyers assisting clients through both the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) internal case plan review process and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Review Tribunal (VCAT) process. Review of DHHS Child Protection Services decisions in VCAT - checklist (docx, 135. This Manual is to be read in conjunction with the Child Protection Policy and the Staff Child-safe Code of Conduct. 2. KEY ELEMENTS OF THE LEGISLATION Since 2014 there are more than a dozen significant changes to the law that organisations must demonstrate awareness of, or comply with, in the way they manage the risk of child abuse. Victoria has Child protection practitioners work for the Victorian Government to investigate the safety and wellbeing of children at risk. They receive and assess reports of alleged child abuse and neglect from the community. In more serious circumstances, practitioners may be involved in court action. To be an effective child protection practitioner, you The department is responsible for child protection, prevention of family violence, housing, disability, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQ+ equality, veterans, and the offices for Women and Youth. calling on new graduates and career changers to consider joining the ranks of Victoria's child protection workforce. Visit Child Protection Jobs . Being a Child Protection Practitioner means making real change to the lives of others - keeping children safe and families strong. Child protection is a career that grows with you, offering a range of professional pathways and leadership development opportunities. Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, State Government of Victoria Child Protection - Staff Manual 2020 Page 2 of 15 1. Introduction offence has been committed in Victoria, by an adult against a child under 16, must except in limited circumst