News

Hefty fines for failure to report child neglect

September 12, 2019 4:40 pm

Child Services Acting Director Ela Tukutukulevu

Mandated professionals who fail to issue mandatory reports of child cases are liable to pay a fine of five thousand dollars.

Child cases involve any cases where children may be neglected, abused, sexually assaulted or be put in danger in any way.

Child Services Assistant Director Ela Tukutukulevu says under the Child Welfare Act, all cases involving child abuse should be reported to the Social Welfare Ministry.

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Tukutukulevu says the Fiji Police Force, Teachers, Lawyers, Medical Officers, and Welfare Officers,  all must issue mandatory reports in such cases.

“So if a professional fails to notify or to give notice according to the act, that’s is an offence, that professional commits an offence and we are liable to a fine, not more than five thousand dollars.”

Tukutukulevu says these agencies must report incidents within seven days of its occurrence or from when they are informed of the matter.

She says for the general public, they can report child cases to child helpline on  1325.