Child protection

The AFP has a significant role to play in ensuring children and young people are safe, no matter what environment they are in. In fulfilling this role, the AFP has forged strong partnerships with all Australian law enforcement agencies, many international agencies, government departments, industry and not-for-profit organisations.

The AFP is involved in many crime prevention and awareness raising initiatives, particularly in relation to keeping young people safe online. Enquiries in relation to these initiatives can be made via the ThinkUKnow website.

The AFP is responsible for the investigation of crimes associated with online child sexual exploitation and travelling child sex offenders. Significant penalties apply to these offences.

The AFP is also a member of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an alliance of law enforcement agencies from around the world which are working together to fight online child abuse.

AFP Child Protection Plan 2020 – 2022

The AFP Child Protection Plan 2020 – 2022 covers the remit and roles of AFP Child Protection teams including AFP Child Protection Operations, Joint Anti Child Exploitation Teams (JACETs), Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) and the Northern Territory Child Abuse Taskforce (NTCAT). The Plan provides a focus of AFP Child Protection efforts and commitment to reducing the incidence and impact of crimes against children and holding those responsible for such crimes accountable.