West Australia Child Protection services
Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) is the only tertiary children’s hospital in WA and PCH Child Protection Unit (CPU) is the statewide child protection service in WA.
Most of the regional and rural hospitals have Paediatricians with child protection experience and they manage some physical assault and neglect and child sexual assault cases – often with consultation with PCH CPU but managed locally. Infants with significant injuries/concerns about AHT are transferred to PCH. Some adolescents (aged >13 years old) can be referred to the local SARC services.
PCH Child Protection Unit (CPU)
Contact number for PCH CPU: 08 6456 4300 or cpuduty.pch@health.wa.gov.au
- In hours 08:30 to 17:00 Monday to Friday all calls go through the CPU Duty Doctor and Social Worker.
- Out of hours/weekends and Public Holidays – calls go to CPU Doctor on-call.
Age of children seen
- Up to 16 years
Catchment area:
- Whole state – statewide service
Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC)
Offers services to adolescents from 13 years old, and adults who have experienced recent sexual assault (in the last two weeks) and crisis counselling.
- Contact 08 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888
- SARC services
Links to Health service information
Child Protection Unit (health.wa.gov.au)
Accessible to WA Health employees only
Other relevant links
Statewide Protection of Children Coordination Unit
Guidelines for Protecting Children 2020
Statutory child protection agency
Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse in WA - Resources
Department of Communities - Child Protection - Referrals to the Central Intake Team 1800 273 889