13 Feb 2026
Ben Tallboys, Samuel Ellemor, Abbey Burns, Kelly Ralph, Morgan Smithe, Philip Gruszka, Emily Tang, Molly Lawlor, Sarah Newman, Emily Aforozis, Martine Rodger, Sophie Harrington, Laura Rasile and Bridie Cochrane-Holley
Presently, the Commission for Children and Young People administers Victoria’s Reportable Conduct Scheme and compliance with the Child Safe Standards (which apply to schools and other relevant entities).
As of Monday 23 February 2026, this responsibility will transfer to the Social Services Regulator. You can read the announcement here.
Why are these changes being made?
The transfer follows recommendations made by the Victorian Rapid Child Safety Review, which identified major gaps in information-sharing between existing child-safety bodies, particularly in relation to unsubstantiated reportable allegations and Working with Children Checks.
What is the impact of this change?
The initial practical impact is likely to be minimal. The fundamental aspects of the Reportable Conduct Scheme, including the investigation of reportable allegations, and the Child Safe Standards remain unchanged.Schools and other relevant entities will simply engage with the Social Services Regulator rather than the Commission for Children and Young People.
However, it is likely that over time there will be changes to the administrative requirements associated with the Reportable Conduct Scheme and the Child Safe Standards; for example to ensure alignment with the Social Services Regulator’s other regulatory functions.
It would also not be unusual for a new regulatory authority to offer a different perspective regarding compliance expectations about the Reportable Conduct Scheme and the Child Safe Standards.
At this time, we are awaiting further information from the Social Services Regulator about how organisations will be able to make notifications about reportable allegations, including whether the reporting process will be available by phone, email, webform, or other channels.
Recommendations
Schools and other relevant entities should proactively monitor for any announcements by the Social Services Regulator about its intended approach to administering the Reportable Conduct Scheme and Child Safe Standards.
Proactive schools and entities may also view this regulatory change as an opportune time to identify any continuous improvement to policies, procedures, and strategies that ensure the care, safety, and welfare of children and young people remain their paramount consideration.
How Russell Kennedy can support you
Russell Kennedy has a team dedicated to supporting schools and other relevant entities in complying with the Child Safe Standards, Reportable Conduct Scheme, and all other matters relating to the care, safety and welfare of children and young people.
If you have any questions or need support complying with your obligations around safeguarding children and young people, please do not hesitate to contact our Education team.
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