Melbourne Childcare Abuse Case: Over 1,000 Children Recommended for Disease Testing

Authorities in Victoria, Australia, are urging around 1,200 children to undergo infectious disease testing after a childcare worker was charged with multiple serious child abuse offences, including rape.

Joshua Dale Brown, 26, was arrested in May and is now facing 70 charges related to the alleged abuse of eight children, all under the age of two, between April 2022 and January 2023. One of the victims is said to be just five months old.

Since 2017, Brown worked at 20 different childcare centres across Melbourne, prompting public health officials to alert thousands of families. Authorities have recommended testing for potentially exposed children as a precautionary measure, particularly due to the nature of the alleged offences.

Police say the incidents being investigated took place at a single childcare centre, although other allegations — especially involving a centre in Essendon — are being prioritized.

Victoria Police revealed Brown had passed a working with children check and had no prior criminal record before this investigation. They believe he acted alone and that all alleged incidents occurred within the state of Victoria.

Given the gravity of the case, police made the rare decision to reveal his identity, saying it’s vital that parents are aware of who he is and where he worked.

Chief Health Officer Christian McGrath said 2,600 families have been contacted, and 1,200 children are being advised to get tested. While he did not confirm whether the accused had any sexually transmitted infections, he said that preventive treatment is available for most conditions children may have been exposed to.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan expressed her horror at the case:

“My heart breaks for the families living every parent’s worst nightmare.”

She acknowledged the fear and outrage this case has caused across the state and said a dedicated support website has been launched to assist affected families.

Brown remains in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court in September.