Matters of concern
Following an extensive period of consultation, the matters of concern policy and procedures review has resulted in revised policy and procedures for responding to matters of concern. These procedures became operational on 3 December 2007.
What is a matter of concern?
A matter of concern is any concern raised in relation to the quality of care provided to a child or young person placed in an out-of-home care placement under the Child Protection Act 1999, section 82(1), where a breach of the standards of care is indicated.
Matters of concern apply to children subject to the custody or guardianship of the chief executive or subject to a care agreement who are placed in an out-of-home care placement with a foster carer, kinship carer or provisionally approved carer, a licensed care service or another entity.
When a matter of concern is raised
If concerns are raised about the standard of care you are providing to children or young people subject to the above orders and placement types, the Department of Child Safety will record and assess these concerns in a fair and open manner that respects your rights. The assessment will look at whether any of the standards of care from the Child Protection Act 1999 have been breached.
- The way the department responds to concerns depends on the level of concerns and the possible impact on the child. A case note is recorded when the information provided to the department indicates that no breach of the standards has occurred.
- A matter of concern is recorded when the information provided to the department suggests that a breach of the standards may have occurred. If a matter of concern is recorded, the department will response in one of two ways—a child placement concern report or a notification.
- For a child placement concern report, the department will phone you to arrange a meeting to discuss the reported concerns. For a notification, the department will conduct an investigation and assessment.
- An investigation and assessment response only occurs where the information provided to the department suggests that a child may have experienced, or may be experiencing, harm in out-of-home care.
For more information, refer to the Child Safety Practice Manual, chapter 9, or the Carer handbook.
- Last updated
- 6 March 2008