The NSW Commission for Children and Young People is an independent statutory organisation within Government that advocates for the children and young people of NSW. Megan Mitchell is the Commissioner for Children and Young People.
The Commissioner reports directly to the NSW Parliament, and the Committee on Children and Young People oversees our work.
What is our role?
The Commission administers the Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998.
The following principles guide everything we do:
- The safety, welfare and wellbeing of children is paramount.
- The views of children and young people are taken seriously.
- The relationships between children, their families and their communities are important for their safety, welfare and wellbeing.
- Vulnerable children and young people will be given priority.
We don’t have the function of dealing directly with the complaints or concerns of individual children. We can however provide advice, information and make referrals. If you want to raise a concern or make a complaint regarding a particular child, go to the NSW Ombudsman, the Health Care Complaints Commission or the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Anyone who suspects, on reasonable grounds, that a child or young person is at risk of being neglected or physically, sexually or emotionally abused, should report it to the Community Services Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 (TTY 1800 212 936) for the cost of a local call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Reporting suspected abuse or neglect
Children or young people who need help can contact the Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (toll free), or contact them through their Email Counselling service.
