Child care scandal - what horrified parents should do
The 26-year Point Cook man worked at 20 childcare centres between January 2017 and May 2025.
The alleged offending occurred at Creative Garden Early Learning Centre in Point Cook.
Police are investigating allegations at a second childcare centre in Essendon. Those allegations have not been proven.
At this stage, it is believed all alleged offending has taken place within Victoria and no other staff have been involved.
WHERE AND WHEN HE WORKED:
* January 15, 2017 - June 9, 2019: Nino Early Learning Adventures in Point Cook
* August 18, 2019 - October 27, 2019 and casual work from November 10, 2019 - December 22, 2019: Explorers Early Learning in Point Cook
* November 25, 2019 - July 24, 2020: Adventurers Education in Wyndham Vale
* October 28, 2020 - March 30, 2021: Only About Children in Williamstown
* April 13, 2021 - May 25, 2021 - Wallaby Childcare centre in Sanctuary Lakes
* June 21, 2021 - July 16, 2021: Nido Early Learning School in Werribee
* October 28, 2021 - February 2, 2024: Creative Garden Early Learning in Point Cook
* February 9, 2023 - February 13, 2023: Leopold World of Learning in Leopold
* February 14, 2023 - March 10, 2023: Greenwood in Point Cook
* August 14, 2023 - August 17, 2023: Little Blossoms Child Care Centre in Werribee
* March 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024: D.O.T.S Occupational Therapy for Children in Footscray
* August 13, 2024 - August 21, 2024: Aussie Kindies Early Learning in Sunbury
* August 14, 2024 - August 16, 2024: Milestones Early Learning in Werribee
* August 19, 2024: Milestones Early Learning in Hoppers Crossing
* August 22, 2024 - March 12, 2025: Papilio Early Learning in Hoppers Crossing
* September 12, 2024: Kids Academy in Melton
* October 7, 2024 - October 9, 2024: Kids Academy Early Learning in Kensington
* February 11, 2025: Aussie Kindies Early Learning in Keilor
* February 17, 2025 - May 9, 2025: Papilio Early Learning in Essendon
* May 8, 2025: Milestones Early Learning in Bundoora
WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO?
* Unless you have been directly contacted by Victoria Police, there is no evidence to suggest that your child has been offended against
* If you believe something inappropriate has happened to your child or have any more information, police are urging people to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
* Some families will be eligible for a payment of $5000 to help with alternative care arrangements, loss of earnings, and other practical needs
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
* The Victorian Department of Health and Victoria Police are directly contacting families who may have been affected
* 1200 children are being advised to get tested for infectious diseases, which can be treated with antibiotics
* Not every child who attended the childcare centres listed will be recommended for testing, as they won't have attended at the same time as the offender
* It is possible that those recommended for testing have had no exposure
WHAT CHARGES IS HE FACING?
Brown was arrested on May 12 and charged with over 70 offences relating to alleged child sexual abuse involving eight victims between April 2022 and January 2023.
* Sexual Penetration of a Child Under 12
* Attempted Sexual Penetration of a Child Under 12
* Sexual Assault of a Child Under 16
* Sexual Activity in Presence of a Child Under 16
* Produce Child Abuse Material for use through a carriage service
* Use Carriage Service to Transmit Child Abuse Material
* Possess Child Abuse Material for Use Through a Carriage Service
* Recklessly Contaminate Goods to Cause Alarm or Anxiety
* Use Carriage Service to Offend
* Use Carriage Service to Cause Child Abuse Material to be Transmitted to Self
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
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