Vic govt worker charged with abuse

A Victorian woman has been stood down from a job in the state department that cares for vulnerable children after being charged over allegations of historical child abuse.

The charges stem from an allegation in 1996 that the woman, then a youth detention officer, molested a 16-year-old boy at the Melbourne Juvenile Justice Centre, Fairfax Media reports.

A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson did not give details on Sunday but said the matter was investigated by the department in 1996, and referred to Victoria Police at the time

"The department understands that Victoria Police has recently laid charges and as a result the worker was immediately stood down, " the statement said.

"The Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos has sought a full independent investigation of the department's handling of this matter and the adequacy of the department's systems relating to it."

The department will not comment further as the matter is before the courts.