Full list of childcare centres where alleged sex abuser Joshua Brown worked

Hundreds of families are being urged to have their children tested for disease after police charged a childcare worker for allegedly sexually abusing kids in his care. See the full list of childcare centres where he worked.

Joshua Brown has been arrested over alleged offending against children at Creative Gardens in Point Cook.

Childcare worker Joshua Brown, 26, has been arrested and charged over a string of sexual assaults including rape against children as young as five-months-old.

Police allege the alleged offences against eight victims occurred at Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre, Point Cook between April 2022 and January 2023.

Mr Brown had worked at an additional 19 childcare centres since 2017, prompting a major public health response.

As the investigation is ongoing, this list could change. The most up-to-date list can be found here.

Parents of 1200 children are now being urged to have their children tested for potentially infectious diseases due to the nature of the alleged offending.

Here’s what authorities have told affected families:

Where did Joshua Brown work?

The alleged offences occurred at Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre in Point Cook. Mr Brown was employed as a childcare worker.

Investigators are also looking into evidence of an allegation of offending at Papilio Early Learning, Essendon, which police say is “being investigated as a priority”.

The health department and police have released the full list of 20 centres Mr Brown worked at “out of an abundance of caution.”

There have been no charges against Mr Brown relating to 19 of 20 of these centres so far into the investigation.

“We acknowledge how distressing this will be for all families involved and the impact it will have on the broader community,” authorities said in a statement.

“Everything possible is being done to provide the vital support now required.”

Authorities also confirmed there was no evidence to suggest any other staff member at any other centre was involved in the alleged child abuse.

What do I do if my child attended one of these centres?

The department of health and Victoria Police are urging parents of more than 1200 children who could have been cared for by Mr Brown to have their child tested for infectious disease.

Authorities have already contacted families whose children attended centres at the same time Mr Brown was employed to recommend they be screened.

Parents have been told that if they had not been contacted, it was likely their child did not need to be tested for disease.

“Not every child who attended the childcare centres listed will be recommended for testing, as they won’t have been identified as having a potential exposure risk,” authorities said.

“It is also possible that those recommended for testing have had no exposure. Symptoms of infectious diseases aren’t always obvious, which is why for those potentially exposed we’re recommending testing as a precaution.”

Childcare worker Joshua Brown, 26, has been arrested and charged over a string of sexual assaults. Picture Supplied.

However, authorities have also said it is possible they did not have some families’ contact details, which is why they released the full list of childcare centres for caregivers to “cross check themselves”.

“We know there may be some families that we don’t have the most up to date information for, or they have moved homes.”

A dedicated advice line has been set up so families can get more information on testing if they believe their children were enrolled at a centre while Mr Brown was working there. This can be reached on 1800 791 241.

Where can I get my child tested?

Parents are being told they can book an appointment with a general practitioner or family doctor to have their child tested for infectious disease.

The helpline can also direct families on where they can get a free test for their child.

“We acknowledge this matter may still be distressing for you and your families and encourage anyone with further health concerns to contact their GP,” authorities said.

“Some families will be eligible for a payment of $5,000 to help with alternative care arrangements, loss of earnings, and other practical needs.

“The Department of Health will let you know if you are eligible and explain how you can access the payment. You will need to provide identification documents and bank account details.”

When were parents contacted by police?

Victoria Police launched an investigation into Mr Brown in May this year after allegedly uncovering abuse material.

Police described the investigation as “proactive” as they had not received a report of abuse, but instead had to work to identify the victims themselves.

Police contacted the families of eight victims last week.

They also worked to have a suppression order lifted so that the public could be told about Mr Brown’s alleged offences and he be named.

The suppression order was lifted at 8am Tuesday, and police released information to the public at 8.30am.

Joshua Brown allegedly assaulted children at Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre in Point Cook. Picture: Supplied

Police are now investigating an allegation of offending at Papilio Early Learning, Essendon.

Has something inappropriate happened to my child?

Victoria Police says the eight families whose children were allegedly offended against have already been contacted.

An investigation remains ongoing.

Police say parents who believed something inappropriate had happened to their child needed to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or make a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Authorities also provided additional information to assist caregivers in talking to their children about the alleged offending.

Mr Brown was employed as a childcare worker. Picture Supplied.

Where can I find more information?

Authorities have created a webpage with information for parents and caregivers. You can find that here.

They have also set up a dedicated hotline, which parents can call for advice on organising a test for their children. The advice line is open seven days a week, 8am to 9pm, can be reached on 1800 791 241.

If you have experienced sexual assault and need help, please call:

1800 RESPECT who can provide you with support if you are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family and sexual violence.

Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL) on 1800 806 292 for support with an immediate crisis. SACL is a statewide (Victoria), after-hours, confidential telephone service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault. SACL operates between 5pm to 9am on weeknights and throughout weekends and public holidays.

Sexual Assault Services Victoria or SAS Vic is the is the peak body for sexual assault and harmful sexual behaviour services in Victoria. SAS Vic can help you find your local sexual assault service.

For resources about support for child sexual abuse, are available at the National Office for Child Safety, Bravehearts and the Kids Helpline.

For additional resources and information on trauma, sexual assault services please visit the DFFH web page.

Originally published as Full list of childcare centres where alleged sex abuser Joshua Brown worked