Last updated 12 July 2022

The Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld) (Child Protection Act) attempts to reflect international declarations and conventions along with national and international child protection practice directions and standards in providing for the protection of children.

The Child Protection Act establishes the following child protection system:

  • providing preventative and support services to strengthen and support families, and to reduce the incidence of harm to children
  • reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect—anyone can contact the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs (Child Safety) and report concerns about a child who has been, is being or is at risk of being harmed
  • investigations and assessments of reported child abuse or neglect—Child Safety must investigate and assess the reported concerns if there is a reasonable suspicion that the child is in need of protection
  • ongoing intervention—Child Safety will provide ongoing assistance under the Child Protection Act once it has been assessed that a child is in need of protection.