STI tests urged for 1200 kids after Melbourne childcare worker charged with over 70 sexual assault offences
Police confirmed that Point Cook man Joshua Brown, 26, was charged in May with more than 70 offences related to eight alleged victims aged between five months and two years old.
The charges include sexual penetration of a child under 12, attempted sexual penetration of a child under 12, sexual assault of a child under 16, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 16.
The man also faces multiple charges related to the alleged production and possession of child abuse material.
Janet Stevenson, Acting Commander of the Victoria Police Crime Command, described the investigation as 'incredibly distressing and confronting for all involved'.
'I know many members of the community will hear this news and feel enormously concerned,' Ms Stevenson said.
The charges relate to eight alleged victims who were enrolled at a Point Cook childcare centre between April 2022 and January 2023.
Since his arrest, a significant investigation has taken place, led by detectives from the sexual crimes squad, assisted by a number of specialist investigators.
The families of the eight alleged victims have been notified and have been provided with all available support services, Victoria Police confirmed.
Mr Brown worked at 20 childcare centres between January 2017 and May 2025. The Victorian Government has set up a
website
that has an up-to-date list of allegedly impacted centres, including the date range the man was employed at each centre.
Detectives are also examining another alleged offence at a childcare centre in Essendon.
Police confirmed that all families who had children placed at the impacted centres during the time of the man's employment are being contacted.
'The most important thing for our investigators was that we needed to identify the victims involved. These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community and the conversations police have had to have with their families were no doubt life changing in the worst possible way,' Ms Stevenson added.
A number of support services are available for people who have been impacted by the matter, and investigators are working closely with the families of victims to ensure they are well supported.
Mr Brown has remained in custody since his arrest and will appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 15 September 2025.
Victoria Police is urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.
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