Legal support for families impacted by childcare abuse Recent allegations of horrific abuse by a childcare worker in Melbourne’s west have shocked the community, with reports suggesting that dozens of vulnerable children may have been harmed. Victoria Police have laid over 70 charges against the man, including rape, sexual assault, and producing child abuse material. The offences allegedly occurred over a five-year period across multiple childcare centres. Authorities have advised the parents of approximately 1,200 children to seek urgent medical testing for their children, including screening for infectious diseases. Jodie Harris, Principal Lawyer at Arnold Thomas & Becker, said: “It is truly incomprehensible that someone in a position of trust and care could prey on the most innocent members of our community. Our thoughts are with the families affected, who are no doubt reeling from the shock and heartbreak of this news.” So, what rights and entitlements are available to parents of children who have suffered abuse in a childcare setting? Childcare Abuse Information Forum You may be entitled to civil compensation While criminal proceedings are ongoing, affected families should also be aware of their civil legal options. These include the ability to seek compensation for both children and parents who have experienced harm. Compensation can cover medical costs, counselling, and potentially significant lump sum damages. What compensation can cover Civil claims may allow families to recover significant compensation, including: Pain and suffering (past, present, and future) Loss of enjoyment of life Financial loss, including lost superannuation Medical and treatment-related expenses Legal avenues for families Families impacted by abuse in a childcare setting may be eligible to pursue one or more of the following legal pathways: Individual claims for children who have suffered physical or psychological injury Secondary victim claims for parents who have experienced psychological harm (including nervous shock) Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) applications, which can offer financial support, counselling, and urgent assistance Arnold Thomas & Becker’s experienced abuse law team can guide families through each of these processes with compassion and expertise. Full list of daycare centres Below is a list of the daycare centres that alleged offender Joshua Brown worked. · Nino Early Learning Adventures – Point Cook · Explorers Early Learning – Point Cook · Adventurers Education – Wyndham Vale · Only About Children – Williamstown · Wallaby Childcare Centre – Sanctuary Lakes · Nido Early Learning School – Werribee · Creative Gardens – Point Cook · Leopold World of Learning – Leopold · Greenwood – Point Cook · Little Blossoms Child Care Centre – Werribee · D.O.T.S Occupational Therapy for Children – Footscray · Aussie Kindies Early Learning – Sunbury · Milestones Early Learning – Werribee · Milestones Early Learning – Hoppers Crossing · Papilio Early Learning – Hoppers Crossing · Kids Academy – Melton · Kids Academy – Kensington · Aussie Kindies Early Learning – Keilor · Papilio Early Learning – Essendon · Milestone Early Learning – Bundoora Our client outcomes Arnold Thomas & Becker is currently assisting multiple families whose children were allegedly abused in childcare settings. Our firm has already secured a confidential settlement for the abuse of two children in a council-run childcare service, and is pursuing Supreme Court proceedings in a separate case involving an adult survivor of childhood abuse. Ms Harris said, “in these recent cases we allege that the abuse of our clients occurred as a direct result of the complete failures of the responsible institutions/childcare centres to monitor activities at the centre and their failure to have proper avenues to report issues. We alleged that this constitutes gross negligence and there is a need for the centres to be held accountable.” Ms Harris notes that in some cases, compensation can reach millions of dollars. How our experienced lawyers can help you It’s important to seek legal advice as early as possible. We operate on a genuine No Win No Fee basis because we believe justice should be accessible to all. Arnold Thomas & Becker is currently assisting thousands of Victorians who experienced abuse as children – many of them in schools, churches, and other institutions that failed to provide adequate care. With a specialist abuse law team and more than a dozen offices across Victoria – including in Melbourne’s west, Geelong, and Werribee – our firm is well-placed to support families impacted by the recent childcare abuse allegations. See our Client outcomes. Contact us today If you or someone you know has been affected, contact Arnold Thomas & Becker on 1300 333 300 or fill out the form below to speak with an experienced abuse lawyer today.