PROTECT Update: Important Changes for Schools and Families

At the end of Term 1, 2026, the Victorian Department of Education released an updated version of the PROTECT guidance. These changes strengthen how schools identify and respond to child safety concerns, ensuring students and families receive the right support at the right time.

What is Changing?

• Updated to reflect today’s services, including clearer pathways through The Orange Door.
• No change to mandatory reporting obligations – schools are legally required to report concerns about child abuse.
• Clearer framework: adult in the school, student-to-student, within the family, within the community.
• Refreshed 4 Critical Actions: Identify – Support – Refer – Report.
• Tailored guidance on engaging parents/carers and sharing information appropriately.
• Improved PROTECT website with easier access to resources and templates.

What This Means for Our College

• Clearer decisions about when to support, refer, or report concerns.
• Alignment with Child Safe Standards, MARAM, Information Sharing Schemes, and Reportable Conduct Scheme.
• Improved responses when referring to The Orange Door and managing complex situations.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

The safety and wellbeing of every student remains our highest priority. Our College has mandatory obligations under Victorian law to act on and report child safety concerns. We approach this work with professionalism, care, and respect for all families.

What Happens Next

Staff will continue to engage with this updated guidance. Further information will be shared with families as it becomes available.