The Department of Community Services

 The Department of Community Services (DoCS) is a NSW government organisation that is responsible for supporting and promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of children and young people. DoCS professionals work to protect children and young people from the risk of harm such as abuse and neglect and also provide care for children and young people who are not able to live with their families.

http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/welcome_to_docs_website.html

Currently, there are seven regional DoCS offices and over 85 Community Services Centres throughout NSW.

http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/docs_menu/about_us/contact_us/community_services_centres.html?s=1422802974

Below are some links that provide further information about their services.

www.community.nsw.gov.au/docs_menu/parents_carers_and_families.html

www.community.nsw.gov.au/docs_menu/preventing_child_abuse_and_neglect.html

www.community.nsw.gov.au/docs_menu/research_centre.html

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 (24 hours/7 days)

References:

NSW Family and Community Services (2012a). Parents, Carers and Families, last accessed: 21/10/2012, www.community.nsw.gov.au/docs_menu/parents_carers_and_families.html

NSW Family and Community Services (2012b). Preventing child abuse & neglect, last accessed: 21/10/2012, www.community.nsw.gov.au/docs_menu/preventing_child_abuse_and_neglect.html

NSW Family and Community Services (2012c). Research Centre, last accessed:21/10/2012, www.community.nsw.gov.au/docs_menu/research_centre.html