Information Booklet - Country Fire Authority

Making a ReportDo I have reasonable grounds?What proof do I need?Can a person be sued if theymake a report that isn’t true?Malicious ReportingCan a person make areport anonymously?No investigation should be undertaken by theBrigade or by the member who has had anallegation made against them. Advice will be givenon the appropriate level of consultation with theaccused member, the child or their parents.Police investigations generally prefer that nocommunication should be entered into with theparties involved as it could taint evidence or not behandled appropriately, jeopardising any case thatmay arise.You may have a suspicion on reasonablegrounds when:■ A child tells you he or she has been abused.■ Someone tells you a child has been abused.■ A child tells you he or she knows someone whohas been abused (sometimes a child will betalking about themselves).■ Your own observation of a particular child’sbehaviour and/or injuries, and your knowledgeof children generally, leads you to suspect thatabuse is occurring.■ Reasonable grounds. can be thought of as thebehaviours, observations, facts and informationthat leads a person to form a belief.■ Form a belief, the notion of forming a belief canbe described as an inclination to accept, ratherthan reject the proposition that the child has beenabused is telling the truth.A person making a report does not need to provethat abuse has taken place, they only need to havereasonable grounds.If the report is made in good faith then the notifiercannot be held legally Liable regardless of theoutcome of the notification. as stated in Section 189Children, Youth and Families Act 2005.Malicious false reporting is a serious offence andanyone who knowingly falsely accuses or maliciouslycreates rumours against another member may facedisciplinary charges, which could lead to expulsionfrom the CFA and in some cases criminal charges.Yes. If you have concerns about the safety andwelfare of a child or the actions and behaviour of anadult, you can contact the Police and make a report.You do not have to leave your name. For CFA torespond to allegations it will require personal detailsof the member making the report.20CFA Children/ Young Persons Protection Policy Information BookletEdition 2 – May 2013