From 23 February 2026, responsibility for overseeing Victoria’s Reportable Conduct Scheme (Scheme) and Child Safe Standards (Standards) will shift from the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) to the Social Services Regulator. This significant reform reshapes how child safety risks are reported, managed and monitored across the state.
What’s changing and why does it matter?
Under the current model, organisations covered by the Scheme typically report allegations of reportable conduct to the CCYP, which then shares information with other agencies, including Working with Children Check Victoria.
However, the Social Services Regulation Amendment (Child Safety, Complaints and Worker Regulation) Act 2025 (Vic) is transforming this landscape. These reforms respond directly to the findings of the Rapid Child Safety Review, which highlighted critical gaps in information sharing, particularly when allegations were unsubstantiated but still raised safety concerns.
To close these gaps and strengthen state‑wide consistency, Victoria is consolidating key safeguarding functions – Working with Children Checks, the Reportable Conduct Scheme, and the Child Safe Standards – within a single regulator. Other sector-specific regulators of the Child Safe Standards currently remain unchanged.
From Monday 23 February 2026:
- The Social Services Regulator becomes the central body responsible for the day‑to‑day operation of the Scheme and Standards.
- The CCYP will continue to play an important oversight and advocacy role, monitoring children’s rights, safety and wellbeing across the broader service system (including child protection, out-of-home care, and youth justice).
This new regulatory model is designed to achieve better coordination, more consistent oversight, and stronger protections for children.
What does this mean for your organisation?
For most organisations working with children in Victoria, the immediate practical impact is relatively small, yet it is crucial to be prepared.
1. New reporting pathways
For all organisations covered by the Scheme, you must now report:
- allegations of reportable conduct,
- child abuse or harm, and
- other child safety concerns,
to the Social Services Regulator, rather than the CCYP.
Your core obligations to notify, investigate, and provide a final outcome report remain unchanged.
2. Update your systems
Now is the time to:
- update policies, procedures and reporting pathways,
- refresh internal guidance,
- adjust any staff training materials, and
- ensure all relevant teams understand the new regulator and their obligations.
This regulatory shift provides a timely opportunity to review broader child safety settings and strengthen your organisation’s continuous improvement efforts.
3. Expect a different compliance approach
Each regulator brings its own style. Organisations may notice:
- changes in how information is requested,
- different expectations around the level of detail required, or
- adjusted timelines for reporting and follow‑up.
Being proactive will help ensure your organisation remains compliant and confident during the transition.
4. Watch for further changes
As functions consolidate under the Social Services Regulator, additional refinements to the Scheme and Standards are likely. We anticipate future steps to streamline reporting, align processes with other regulatory requirements, and enhance information sharing.
You can read CCYP’s guidance here.
5. Implications outside Victoria
Interstate organisations should also stay alert. Other jurisdictions may introduce similar reforms, particularly in light of heightened scrutiny of child safety within early childhood education and other vulnerable sectors.
How Moores can help?
Moores is already working with organisations across education, disability, faith‑based services and community sectors to prepare for this shift. We can assist with:
- Policy and Procedure updates: Ensuring your documentation reflects new reporting requirements and best‑practice safeguarding.
- Tailored training for staff, board members and volunteers: From foundational sessions to advanced training for leaders and HR teams, we help embed a high‑trust, safety‑first culture.
- Guidance on the new reporting process: We are monitoring updates from the Social Services Regulator, including how reports will be made (phone, email, webform, or a new digital system).
Contact us
Please contact us for more detailed and tailored help.
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should seek legal advice regarding the application of the law to you or your organisation.