2.1.5. Child Protection Act

The Child Protection Act (Qld) aims to protect children from harm and ensure their safety and wellbeing. It provides a framework for identifying and responding to child abuse and neglect, as well as establishing the roles and responsibilities of government agencies and professionals in protecting children.

Some of the key features of the CPA include:

• Mandatory reporting: The Act requires certain professionals, such as doctors, teachers, and police officers, to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women.
• Investigation and assessment: When a report of suspected child abuse or neglect is made, the Department must investigate and assess the situation to determine whether the child is at risk of harm and whether any intervention is necessary.
• Child protection orders: The Act allows the Department to apply for a child protection order from the Children’s Court if a child is at risk of harm. This order can place the child in the care of the Department or another suitable person and may also require the parents to undertake certain actions to address the risk of harm.
• Appeals and review: The Act provides for appeals and review mechanisms to ensure that decisions made by the Department and the Children’s Court are fair and transparent.
  

Refer to Child Protection Act