An ABC investigation has revealed serious systemic failures within Australia's childcare industry, including a concerning number of reported sexual misconduct incidences.
Emily’s four-year-old son disclosed being sexually assaulted by a childcare worker and immediately notified the centre, she claims they failed to act promptly, and that crucial CCTV footage was erased. The childcare worker was later convicted of indecently touching the child and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Emily credits her son's ability to disclose the abuse to the body safety and consent education she had provided.
"At the end of the day, that's what saved him."
The investigation also uncovered a broader pattern of neglect and exploitation within the increasingly privatized childcare sector, where profit-driven motives have compromised child safety. Instances of inappropriate touching, physical abuse, and inadequate supervision were reported, alongside allegations of centres failing to properly inform parents of serious incidents.
To help you get an understanding of your childcare centres approach to child safety, we've compiled a checklist of essential questions to ask your centre. This resource focuses on child protection policies, staff training, supervision, and child education.
Proactive communication is a key step to creating a safe environment for our children, however, some of the childcare centres and regulatory bodies detailed in the investigation have been accused of actively covering up incidences of abuse. This troubling accusation highlights the role of body safety education in reinforcing child protection policies.
