How to use the Child Safety Practice Manual
Section contents
Introduction
The Child Safety Practice Manual is one of a set of 'authority documents' that collectively make up the policy and procedural documentation of the Department of Child Safety. The purpose of the practice manual is to facilitate standardised practice across the state. In addition, the practice manual:
- informs 'frontline' child protection practice;
- outlines the roles and responsibilities of departmental staff in the delivery of statutory child protection services; and
- advises staff of their statutory obligations to promote the safety and well-being of Queensland children and young people, specifically those at risk of harm.
The other components of the 'authority documents' are:
- legislation;
- policy statements;
- other departmental manuals; and
- inter-agency agreements and protocols.
Structure of the manual
The Child Safety Practice Manual is structured into four sections:
- Introduction
- General procedures (that span the child protection continuum)
- Chapters 1-17 (containing topic specific procedures)
- Appendices.
The procedures within the manual outline and explain the roles and responsibilities of the CSO, other CSSC staff and in some instances, zonal and central office staff, in the delivery of 'frontline' child protection practice and services.
Procedures
Each procedure is organised under the following structure:
- Title: (name of the procedure)
- Purpose
- Authority:
- relevant legislation or policy, where applicable
- Body:
- provides procedural information in a sequential order;
- includes explanatory information that informs practice and assists the CSO with the implementation of the procedures;
- clarifies roles and responsibilities;
- outlines relevant timelines;
- provides instructions for the completion of structured decision-making tools; and
- guides recording and information management.
- Resources:
- listed at the bottom, where relevant (see below)
Appendices
Acronyms - The acronyms provide an explanation of the words and abbreviations used throughout the manual and more broadly in the department.
Glossary of terms - The glossary of terms provides definitions and explanations of key terms to assist staff implement the procedures consistently and effectively.
Icons
Throughout the manual, icons direct the reader to important related information. The following icons are used:
| Icon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 |
Procedure | Refers the reader to a related procedure. |
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Resources | Include templates, forms, standard letters, information brochures, fact sheets and relevant web sites are listed at the end of each procedure, where applicable. These resources are not included in the printed version of the manual, but can be accessed from the departmental Infonet site. |
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Supporting Documents | Supporting documents provide contextual information to inform practice and procedures. They are either practice papers or relevant information from other government agencies. |
Practice papers
Practice papers provide additional and more in-depth information about critical areas of child protection practice. The relevant practice paper topic is listed under a 'supporting documents' icon in the printed copy of the manual and on the Infonet. Practice papers can be accessed online or printed from the Infonet site.
Practice maps
A set of practice maps represent the phases and tasks of child protection intervention. Each map lists a number that corresponds to the related section in the practice manual. The following legend contains a list of the elements represented in each map.
| Map element | Description |
|---|---|
 |
Related tasks, decisions, documentation and responses that lead to an outcome. An example of a task in the intake phase is gathering information. |
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Activities undertaken at defined points in a phase. An example of a phase is intake. |
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A decision point within a phase. An example of a decision would be: 'is this matter a notification?'; 'Yes' or 'No'. |
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Documentation of the tasks and decisions that have been completed within a phase. An example of documentation at intake is completing a child concern report. |
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An action from a decision point that may lead to another phase. An example is when a notification is recorded and the response is to proceed to the investigation and assessment phase. |
 |
A structured decision making tool, that guides decision making.An example is the screening criteria tool. |
- Child Safety Practice Manual
- 30 June 2007
- Last updated
- 30 June 2007
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