A Melbourne childcare worker, Joshua Dale Brown, has been charged with numerous sexual offences against children prompting health authorities to recommend testing for 1,200 children who may have been in his care.
Urgent Health Advisory for Families Following Childcare Worker Arrest
Urgent Health Advisory for Families Following Childcare Worker Arrest
Nearly 1,200 children urged to undergo tests after childcare worker faces multiple charges including child rape in Melbourne.
In a concerning development in Melbourne, approximately 1,200 children are being advised to undergo testing for infectious diseases following the arrest of Joshua Dale Brown, a childcare worker charged with serious sexual offenses. The 26-year-old faces 70 charges linked to the alleged abuse of eight children, the youngest being just five months old, between April 2022 and January 2023.
Having worked in over 20 childcare centers since 2017, local authorities have informed parents of children under Brown's care, recommending precautionary testing amidst the ongoing investigation. Though Brown has not yet entered a plea, he has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court in September.
The allegations focus on a specific childcare center in a Melbourne suburb, where all affected children were under the age of two. In addition to child rape, Brown faces charges for sexual assault and the production and transmission of child abuse material. Investigations have now also expanded to a childcare facility in Essendon, another suburb, with detectives prioritizing these inquiries.
Victoria Police, who have publicly identified Brown in this "unique" case, indicated he held a valid working with children check at the time of his arrest. They confirmed he was previously unknown to them, suggesting the offences occurred solely within Victoria. Janet Stevenson from the police expressed the importance of informing parents about Brown’s identity and his work history in childcare.
While Chief Health Officer Christian McGrath refrained from discussing whether Brown has tested positive for sexually transmitted infections, he noted the nature of the alleged crimes could prompt necessary screenings for certain diseases, all of which can potentially be treated with antibiotics.
In response to the traumatic situation, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan expressed profound sympathy for the impacted families, acknowledging the overwhelming anxiety this has caused among families throughout Victoria. To assist those affected, an information website has been launched providing resources and important updates.
