Care and Protection of Children Act 2007

This is the main child protection law for the Northern Territory. It sets out how the government can step in to protect children from harm or exploitation. Key parts include:

• Mandatory reporting: Anyone who suspects a child has been harmed or is at risk must report it to the authorities. Health professionals and certain workers have extra duties. Failure to report can lead to fines or jail.
• Powers to investigate and act: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and police can make inquiries, investigate, and take children into temporary 'provisional protection' (up to 72 hours) without a court order in emergencies. They can also arrange mediation conferences with families.
• Court orders: The Local Court can issue temporary protection orders (14 days), assessment orders (to examine a child or parent), protection orders (which can give daily care or parental responsibility to the CEO or another person for up to 2 years or longer), and permanent care orders (transferring parental responsibility until the child turns 18). The court must always put the child's best interests first.
• Care plans: When a child is in the CEO's care, the CEO must prepare and regularly review a care plan involving the child, family, and carers.
• Screening for child-related work: People who work with children must hold a clearance notice (background check) to show they pose no unacceptable risk. Employers must verify this. The Screening Authority decides on clearances, and decisions can be reviewed by the Local Court.