Table of Contents

Risk of Significant Harm (ROSH) in Australia: Reporting & Guidelines

Top Key Takeaways

ROSH is the legal threshold for reporting suspected child abuse in Australia.
It covers physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.
Mandatory reporters include teachers, healthcare, and childcare professionals.
Each state has distinct laws and reporting systems.
Early recognition and reporting are vital for child protection.
Community members can also report concerns voluntarily.
Training and workplace induction programs support better understanding of ROSH duties.

What Is Risk of Significant Harm (ROSH)?

Risk of Significant Harm (ROSH) is a legal term in Australian child protection law used to identify when a child is suffering—or is likely to suffer—serious harm. When concerns reach this threshold, child protection authorities must be notified and may intervene.

ROSH differs from general concerns because it indicates a substantial likelihood of serious harm to a child’s health, development, or emotional wellbeing. This requires formal reporting and potential legal action.

Legal Definition of ROSH in Each Australian State

NSW: Under Section 23 of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, ROSH exists when a child is at risk from neglect, abuse, or exposure to domestic violence.
SA: The Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 defines ROSH as the likelihood of harm that threatens a child’s safety or development.
ACT: The Children and Young People Act 2008 considers ROSH as harm that seriously affects a child’s health, development, or wellbeing.

Core Elements of ROSH: Risk, Significant, Harm

Risk: The potential for harm to occur. A reportable concern only requires reasonable belief, not proof.
Significant: The harm must be serious or substantial, not trivial.
Harm: Encompasses physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or neglect that impairs a child’s wellbeing.

Recognising Physical, Emotional, Sexual & Neglect Harm

Australian authorities recognise several categories of harm that meet the ROSH threshold:

Physical Harm

Frequent or unexplained injuries
Inconsistent explanations for bruises or burns
Delays in medical treatment

Emotional or Psychological Harm

Constant criticism, rejection, or exposure to domestic violence
Anxiety, withdrawal, or developmental delays linked to chronic stress

Sexual Abuse or Exploitation

Sexualised behaviour or inappropriate contact
Grooming by adults or peers
Online or in-person exploitation

Neglect and Supervisory Harm

Lack of food, shelter, or medical care
Prolonged unsupervised periods
Ignoring a child’s emotional or developmental needs

ROSH vs General Concern: Understanding the Difference

Not every welfare concern meets the ROSH threshold.
Example:

General Concern: A child is shy or withdrawn after a family move.
ROSH: A child reveals frequent physical punishment or visible bruising.

If in doubt, professionals should still seek advice or make a consultative report to child protection services.

Mandatory & Voluntary ROSH Reporting Obligations

Mandatory Reporters by Profession

People legally required to report ROSH include:

Teachers and early childhood educators
Health practitioners and nurses
Police officers
Religious ministers and youth workers (varies by state)

Voluntary Reporters

Any individual can submit a ROSH concern. Community vigilance plays a critical role in early intervention and preventing long-term harm.

Step-by-Step ROSH Reporting Guide by State

NSW: ChildStory Reporter

Access:https://reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au/s/
Create or log into an account
Submit a mandatory or general report with supporting details

SA: Child Abuse Report Line (CARL)

Phone: 13 14 78 (24/7)
Online reporting available

ACT: CYPS Reporting Process

Phone: 1300 556 729
Submit the relevant form via the Community Services portal

ROSH Signs & Indicators: What to Watch For

Physical and Behavioural Signs

Unexplained bruises or injuries
Fearfulness or aggression
Poor hygiene and untreated medical issues

Environmental and Caregiver Red Flags

Substance abuse or domestic violence in the home
Unsafe or unstable housing
Caregiver neglect or emotional detachment

ROSH Reporting Outcomes & Child Support

After a ROSH report, Child Protection Services assess the concern and determine the next steps:

Investigation: Interviews with children, caregivers, or teachers.
Support Services: Family counselling, welfare aid, or mental health support.
No Further Action: If the risk is unsubstantiated, but the case may remain monitored.

How to Support Children & Colleagues Safely

Supporting the Child

Stay calm and listen without judgment.
Avoid leading questions.
Reassure them that speaking up was the right choice.

Supporting Colleagues and Yourself

Follow your organisation’s child protection policy.
Keep discussions confidential.
Seek professional supervision if emotionally affected.

Legal & Workplace Penalties for Non-Reporting

NSW: Fines or imprisonment for failing to report under the Care and Protection Act 1998.
SA: Penalties up to $10,000 or imprisonment under the Safety Act 2017.
VIC: Disciplinary actions under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005.

Non-reporting can also result in:

Deregistration from professional boards
Employer disciplinary action
Loss of Working with Children Check clearance

ROSH Training & Resources

Government Training Portals

NSW Mandatory Reporter Guide: Keep Them Safe
SA Child Safe Environments: Department for Child Protection

Employer-Led Induction and Training

Workplaces are encouraged to provide recognised child protection training to help staff understand legal duties and how to respond safely to disclosures.
Courses such as mandatory reporting and child safety training build awareness and compliance skills.