- Joshua Brown, a 26-year-old Melbourne childcare worker, has been charged with over 70 offences involving sexual abuse of eight children aged 5 months to 2 years, potentially affecting up to 1,200 children.
- Alleged incidents occurred at a Point Cook centre between April 2022 and January 2023; Brown worked at 20 childcare centres across Melbourne between 2017 and 2025.
- Charges include sexual assault, sexual penetration, possession of child abuse material, and recklessly contaminating goods; Brown remains in custody pending court proceedings.
- Authorities are contacting affected families, offering health screenings and support, while the investigation continues and calls grow for stricter childcare safety reforms.
Joshua Brown is charged with over 70 + abuse offences – Image Credit – Herald Sun
A 26-year-old Melbourne childcare worker, Joshua Brown, has been charged with more than 70 offences related to the sexual abuse of eight children aged between five months and two years, with authorities warning that up to 1200 children could be impacted.
The alleged incidents occurred at a Point Cook childcare centre between April 2022 and January 2023.
Brown was arrested on May 12, 2025, and remains in custody until he is scheduled to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 15, 2025.
The charges include sexual penetration of a child under 12, attempted sexual penetration, sexual assault, producing and possessing child abuse material, and recklessly contaminating goods to cause alarm or anxiety.
According to Victoria Police, Brown worked at 20 childcare centres across Melbourne between January 2017 and May 2025.
Authorities have contacted families of children who attended these centres during Brown’s employment and have recommended health screenings for approximately 1,200 children.
Acting Commander Janet Stevenson of Crime Command stated, “This is an incredibly distressing and confronting investigation for all involved, and I know many members of the community will hear this news and feel enormously concerned.”
The Victorian Government has established a dedicated website to provide health information and support for affected families: www.vic.gov.au/childcare-centres-investigation.
Families seeking further information or wishing to provide details to the investigation are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
Authorities emphasise that, at this stage, there is no evidence to suggest the involvement of other staff members at any of the centres.
The investigations are ongoing, including an examination of allegations at a second childcare centre in Essendon.
The case has prompted calls for urgent reforms in childcare safety protocols, including stricter background checks and mandatory reporting requirements.
As the investigation continues, Victoria Police and associated agencies are working to ensure the safety and well-being of all affected children and families.