Victorian health authorities and police are urging parents and carers to check whether their child attended one of the childcare centres where a man accused of 70 offences, including child sexual assault, was employed.

Due to the manner of the alleged offending, a public health response is underway and about 1200 children are recommended to be screened for infectious diseases. 

Parents and carers are advised to cross-check their child’s attendance with that list.

“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,” Victoria Police Acting Commander Janet Stevenson said.

Here is the advice from the authorities.

What has Joshua Brown been accused of?

Brown was arrested and charged with 70 offences on May 12.

The charges include sexual penetration of a child under 12, sexual assault of a child under 16, sexual activity in the presence of a child under 16 and producing child abuse material for use through a carriage service.

These charges relate to the eight alleged victims at the Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre at Point Cook between April 2022 and January 2023.

Police are also examining evidence relating to an allegation at a second childcare centre in Essendon.

Brown was remanded in custody, where he will remain until he faces Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 15.

According to Stevenson, Brown was not known to police before his arrest and had a valid working with children check.

What childcare centres did Joshua Brown work at? 

Brown has worked at 20 childcare centres across Melbourne between January 2017 and May 2025.

As this is an ongoing investigation, police said the list of childcare centres may change and advised families to check back online for any updates.

Currently, his known places of employment are: 

What is the health advice?

A public health response is under way as expert advice suggests some children may have been exposed to an infectious disease at the childcare centres. 

Authorities are recommending about 1200 children be screened for infectious diseases out of precaution.

Families who may be affected have already been contacted by the Department of Health and Victoria Police.

It may be possible that those recommended for testing had no exposure, and not every child who attended the listed childcare centres will be recommended for testing.

Anyone who has not been contacted likely has not been identified as someone who needs further public health information.

However, some families may have moved homes or changed their contact details. 

Parents and carers are advised to check the list of childcare centres and contact the dedicated advice hotline on 1800 791 241 if they believe their child was at the centre during the same time Brown was employed.

The hotline is open seven days a week between 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 8am to 5pm on weekends.

Anyone with further health concerns should contact their GP. 

Testing is not advised for staff members at the listed childcare centres, but those concerned about their health are also urged to contact their GP. 

What to do if your child attended one of the childcare centres?

The Department of Health and Victoria Police have contacted a total of 2600 families whose children attended the childcare centres at the same time Brown was employed via email, text and post.

This includes the 1200 families whose child may have been exposed to an infectious disease.

Anyone who has not been contacted likely has not been identified as someone who needs further information.

But those whose contact details may have changed, or have a child who attended one of the childcare centres during the same time Brown was employed, can call the hotline for more advice. 

Does this mean your child was offended against?

According to authorities, no.

The families of the eight alleged victims have been contacted by police. 

If you have not been contacted by police, there is no evidence to suggest your child has been offended against.

Police urge anyone who believes something inappropriate has happened to their child or has any more information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

What supports are available?

Some families will be eligible to receive $5000 to help with alternative care arrangements, loss of earnings and other needs.

The Department of Health will assess eligibility.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.