The Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld) is the principal Queensland Act for protecting children from harm and supporting families where children are at risk. It establishes the chief executive's role in administering the system, sets the paramount principle that the safety, wellbeing and best interests of the child are paramount (section 5A), and works through a graduated set of orders, agreements and supports.
Chapter 1 sets purposes, principles, basic concepts (custody, guardianship, harm, child in need of protection) and the administration framework. Chapter 2 is the operational core. Part 1AA imposes mandatory reporting duties on doctors, registered nurses, teachers, certain police officers, child advocate workers and early childhood education and care professionals (section 13E). Part 2 covers temporary assessment orders. Part 3 covers court assessment orders. Part 3AA covers temporary custody orders. Part 3A covers case planning and family group meetings. Part 3B covers intervention with parents' agreement. Part 4 covers child protection orders, including transition orders and permanent guardianship. Parts 5 to 7 cover proceedings, obligations under orders, and general matters.
Chapter 2A covers tribunal proceedings (QCAT review of relevant child protection decisions). Chapter 3 covers the Childrens Court's jurisdiction and procedure, including appeals. Chapter 4 governs care services licensing, foster and kinship carer approval, working with children check application, support and training, and the register of approved carers. Chapter 5 governs authorised officers and honorary officers. Chapter 5A creates the SCAN system (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect) and information sharing rules. Chapter 6 contains offences (including unlawful removal of a child, false statements about identity, prohibited publication), powers of entry, seizure and confidentiality. Chapter 7 covers interstate transfer of orders. Chapter 7A covers child death reviews. Chapter 9 contains transitional provisions.