15 February 2024
The Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCP) is proud to have partnered with WA Police Force to develop a series of online training modules, drawing on the latest research and practice knowledge in understanding and responding to abuse and neglect, including child safeguarding, mandatory reporting and reportable conduct.
The course was rolled out across WA Police Force's eForce learning platform on Thursday 1 February 2024 and is a requirement for WA Police Officers.
The three modules - Understanding child abuse and trauma, Child safe principles of practice, and Child abuse reporting and responsibilities - will be updated annually with the latest research and data as part of the innovative ACCP-WA Police Force partnership. The content of the course is aligned with several recommendations for law enforcement derived from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and also aligns with Mandatory Reporting and Reportable Conduct responsibilities and Child Safe Standards requirements.
“Police play a significant role in both responding to, and dealing with the impacts of, child abuse. With 6 out of every 10 Australians now estimated to be affected by abuse or neglect, Western Australia Police’s launch of the new child safeguarding learning modules is a leading initiative, equipping WA Police Officers in undertaking this critically important and challenging aspect of their work,” said Professor Leah Bromfield, Director, Australian Centre for Child Protection.
The introduction of this course reinforces the collective responsibility to safeguard children across diverse roles, locations, and community engagements.
