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Publication scheme

Our publication scheme describes and categorises information routinely available from the department. It has been developed to give the community greater access to information held by government.

Information is grouped and accessible through seven classes:

Publications list

If you are unable to find a publication you believe should be accessible, please make a publication request. We endeavour to respond to all requests in a timely manner.

The following list contains all publications we have made available:

Publication title Summary
Budget highlights 2007-08 The Queensland Government pledged $551.3 million in the Department of Child Safety's 2007-08 budget to strengthen services for the some of the state's most vulnerable children and young people.
Budget highlights 2006-07 The Queensland Government continued its record spending to protect Queensland's abused and neglected children, delivering a massive $503.1 million operating budget to the Department of Child Safety in 2006-07.
Budget highlights 2005-06 The 2005-06 operating budget of $394.8 million assisted the Department of Child Safety to move closer to fulfilling its vision to produce 'confident children and young people who are valued by society, especially those children and young people who have been harmed or who are at risk of harm'.
Budget highlights 2004-05 Queensland children were the major beneficiaries of the 2004-05 State Budget with a $269.4 million operating budget and $35.1 million in capital funds to build a brand new child safety department would focus singularly on the needs of abused children.
Child protection Queensland: 2006-07 performance report This report is the fourth annual statistical report on the child protection system in Queensland, produced in accordance with Section 248 of the Child Protection Act 1999. The 2006-07 performance report highlights both the demand on and performance of the child protection system during 2006-07, the system progress made since the 2005-06 performance report, as well as emerging issues or areas requiring attention.
Child protection Queensland: 2005-06 performance report This report is the third major report under a whole-of-system performance framework established to monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the Crime and Misconduct Commission's (CMC) report Protecting children: an inquiry into abuse of children in foster care as described in the Blueprint. The 2005-06 performance report highlights both the demand on and performance of the child protection system during 2005-06, the system progress made since the 2004 'Baseline' performance report, as well as emerging issues or areas requiring attention.
Child protection Queensland 2004-05 performance report This report is the second major report under a whole-of-system performance framework established to monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the Crime and Misconduct Commission's (CMC) report Protecting children: an inquiry into abuse of children in foster care as described in the Blueprint. The 2004-05 performance report highlights both the demand on and performance by the child protection system during 2004-05, the system progress made since the 2004 'Baseline' performance report, as well as emerging issues or areas requiring attention.
Child protection Queensland: 2004 child protection system baseline performance report This report is the first installment in an annual performance measurement framework established by the Queensland Government to monitor, review and evaluate the effectiveness of the child protection reform agenda.
Child safety practice manual The Department of Child Safety is the lead agency for the whole of government response to child protection in Queensland. 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.
Child safety research strategy 2006-2009 The purpose of the Child safety research strategy is to support and enhance links between research, policy and practice. The research strategy directly supports, 'leading and creating best practice through innovation, research and evaluation' (Strategic Plan 2006-10).
Disability service plan 2007-10 The purpose of the Disability service plan is to provide increased responsiveness and gradual improvement of government services in addressing the needs of people with a disability and, in keeping with our first priority, it has a particular focus on children and young people in the care of the department, and our staff.
Do you have a complaint about the Department of Child Safety? The Department of Child Safety values accountability and your feedback will help us improve our service. We invite you to contact us if you have a complaint about a decision we have made, the service we have provided and/or the behaviour of our staff.
Expect respect - we do When you work with the Department of Child Safety you can expect to be treated fairly, without bias, professionally and courteously and with respect and understanding. When we work together with members of the community we expect that they will respond with similar appropriate behaviour.
Improving permanency for children in care: discussion paper This discussion paper aimed to provide people the opportunity to identify the relevant issues in relation to a proposed new type of permanent parenting order. The discussion paper was a practical response to the unprecedented number of children remaining in care and reflects our focus on protecting the best interests of children in the long term.
Listening, hearing and acting: approaches to the participation of children and young people in decision making - a review of the literature In May 2006, the department commissioned a review of relevant work of other Australian jurisdictions, literature and research to identify models of engagement and participation that have been demonstrated to be successful. This paper reports on the outcomes of the literature review.
Multicultural action plan 2007-09 The plan aims to identify and support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) child protection staff and recruit and promote services and support for CALD foster and kinship carers.
Multicultural action plan 2006-07 The plan demonstrates the department's commitment to improving the responsiveness of its child protection services to children and young people, carers and guardians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD).
Multicultural action plan 2005-06 The plan demonstrates the department's commitment to improving the responsiveness of its child protection services to children and young people, carers and guardians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD).
Adoption legislation review: public consultation on the review of the Adoption of Children Act 1964 A detailed report of the key responses to the questions posed in the 2002 consultation paper which features the levels of support and opposition to these questions (predecessor agency).
Adoption legislation review: overview of key issues An easy-to-read overview of the key issues raised during the consultation process (review of the Adoption of Children Act 1964) (predecessor agency).
Progress in reforming the Queensland child protection system - report to the Crime and Misconduct Commission January 2006 On 6 January 2006, the Queensland Government released a comprehensive report detailing sweeping improvements to Queensland's child protection system. The report details the major achievements and changes flowing from the Crime and Misconduct Commission's (CMC) report in January 2004.
Progress report September 2004 - implementing the Blueprint In March 2004, a blueprint was released for implementing the 110 recommendations of the January 2004 Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) report, Protecting children: an inquiry into abuse of children in foster care and the December 2003 audit of foster carers subject to child protection notifications.
Protecting children - an inquiry into abuse of children in foster care January 2004 The January 2004 Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) report contains 110 recommendations for reform, including the call for a new government department - the Department of Child Safety - dedicated exclusively to protecting the rights of Queensland children, particularly those in foster care.
Language identification card The language identification card has been developed as a resource to assist Child Safety staff in being better prepared for interventions with children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The language identification card can be used by Child Safety staff members when in contact with a client who does not speak English
Department of Child Safety - protecting children and young people (translated into Arabic, Cook Islands Maori, Dinka, Filipino/Tagalog, Samoan, Tongan, Torres Strait Creole) These fact sheets provide information on our services including foster care and has been translated into seven languages. The first six languages commonly spoken by clients were identified through a survey of zonal offices. The seventh language, Torres Strait Creole, was selected in response to requests for resources for Indigenous communities by the Far Northern Zone.
Reform of Queensland's child protection system March 2005 - one year on This report documents achievements in the implementation process in the 12-month period since the Queensland Government released a Blueprint for implementing the recommendations of the CMC report. The reforms being implemented by the Queensland Government focus on improving the lives of children and young people who have been harmed or are at risk of harm.
Strategic plan 2008-12 The strategic plan sets out our goals for a four-year period, identifies the strategies we will employ in order to achieve those goals and articulates what we expect to achieve. We will measure the success of our strategies against the key performance indicators set out in our Child Protection Performance Framework and report our achievements in our 2008-09 annual report.
Strategic plan 2007-11 The focus of the strategic plan is the provision of quality services over the period 2007-11. To achieve this the department has developed strategies that focus on quality staff, practice, systems and services.
Strategic plan 2006-10 This strategic plan is a clear statement of the department's strategic intentions for the period 2006-10. The plan will help our clients, staff, partners and the community to understand what we have set out to achieve and guide operational planning and help us allocate available resources to best effect.
Strategic plan 2004-09 The Strategic Plan 2004-09 is the first for the Department of Child Safety. Within its scope is the implementation of CMC review recommendations but is also goes beyond these to describe the direction of a department that is child focussed, responsive to their needs, accountable and confident in its ability to deliver.
The Department of Child Safety - who we are and what we do The Department of Child Safety is dedicated to protecting Queensland's children and young people who have been subject to harm or are at risk of harm, and whose parents cannot provide adequate care or protection for them. The department administers the Child Protection Act 1999 and the Adoption of Children Act 1964.
Parent profile report 1: demographic profile Characteristics of parents involved in the Queensland child protection system is a series of reports building a picture of the families we work with. This report details the types of households, Indigenous as well as young parent households, the types of harm that occur and households where a child was assessed as being in need of protection.
Parent profile report 2: parental risk factors for abuse and neglect Characteristics of parents involved in the Queensland child protection system is a series of reports building a picture of the families we work with. This report focuses on parental risk factors such as domestic violence, alcohol or drug problems and mental illness.
Privacy plan 2007 The privacy plan provides information about how the department manages personal information. The Department of Child Safety respects and protects people's privacy and collects, stores, uses, and discloses personal information responsibly and transparently when it delivers government services and conducts government business.
Child sexual abuse - things you need to know All adults have a responsibility to protect children from harm. The information contained in this booklet is designed to assist you in making informed decisions to help ensure children are safe. The booklet provides information about child sexual abuse and its impact on a child's or young person's life. It also provides advice on what to do if a child tells you they have been abused or if you suspect that a child has been sexually abused.
When child safety officers visit your home This factsheet details what happens when child safety officers visit your home, what the options are if you do not agree with a decision made by the child safety officers, and who you can talk to for further information.
Care agreements - information for parents A care agreement is an agreement between you and the Department of Child Safety to place your child in out-of-home care with an approved carer for a short period of time. This brochure explains the types of care agreements, your rights, who will care for your child and who to contact for further information.
Wanem Sail Proteksan Oda? (What are child protection orders? - Torres Strait Creole translation) This brochure outlines the different types of child protection orders in Queensland. It has been translated into the Indigenous language of Torres Strait Creole for clients who speak this as their first language.
Wen ol Sail Seipti Opesa kam po aus blo yu (When child safety officers visit your home - Torres Strait Creole translation) This brochure explains what a person can expect prior to, during and after a home visit conducted by child safety officers. It has been translated into the Indigenous language of Torres Strait Creole for clients who speak this as their first language. An English language version of this brochure is also available.
Recognised entities (Torres Strait Creole translation) This brochure explains the role of Recognised Entities and the types of decisions they should be involved in. It outlines that Recognised Entities should be involved in every step of the child protection process as well as changes to temporary arrangements, when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are concerned. It has been translated into the Indigenous language of Torres Strait Creole for clients who speak this as their first language.
Where to from here? A guide to community services for young people making the transition to living independently Making the transition to living independently can be a challenge for anyone, but it does not have to be a challenge faced alone. There are a range of services, benefits and organisations that can provide assistance and support during this time. This brochure outlines how to apply for them and the contacts to help you.
Child abuse - what you need to know Child abuse is action, behaviours or inaction by an adult towards a child or young person that harms or endangers the child's: physical, psychological or emotional health, and development or wellbeing. This brochure will help you to identify signs of child abuse and neglect, explain why should you break the silence about child abuse and where to get help.
Kid’s rights: Charter of Rights for children in care Kid's rights, aimed at 4 to 10 year olds, is in the form of a children's story book, and is distributed complete with a set of colouring pencils that can be used throughout. This is a book about the Charter of Rights for children in care and the rights they have to keep them protected.
My journey in care: Charter of Rights for children in care My journey in care, aimed at 10 to 18 year olds, uses a notebook style layout with cartoons and photos, including Indigenous artwork from a young person in care. It aims to answer many of the most commons questions about living in care.
Missing pieces: information to assist former residents of children's institutions to access records The Department of Child Safety is committed to providing former residents of care institutions with information about themselves and access to their records. This publication is designed to provide information about the records of institutions that have been located to this date.
Child health passport The child health passport records a child's or young person's health information and provides carers with the information they need to meet the child's day-to-day health needs. The passport is to be updated throughout a child's or young person's time in out-of-home care and moves with the child or young person if they change placement.
Child protection system framework The child protection system framework has been developed to describe in a user-friendly way each phase of the child protection system, the decisions that the department makes, and the key actions that the department takes to improve the safety of children and young people. The audience for the framework includes departmental staff, our partner agencies and members of the public.
Foster carer screening and assessment practice paper The purpose of the assessment of foster carer applicants is to ensure that members of the community who apply to become foster carers are assessed and approved in accordance with the Child Protection Act 1999. This practice paper outlines the assessment criteria and phases of assessment to provide safe and accountable care environments for children and young people who are subject to statutory child protection intervention.
Standard training (Quality care: Foster care training) Following initial approval as a foster carer, our department or licensed care service providing support to the foster carer will ensure that each foster carer has an individualised learning plan, recorded as part of their Foster Carer Agreement. Standard training consists of three modules. Each module includes a session plan, slides/overhead transparencies (OHTs), handouts, assessment worksheets and evaluation form.
Events calendar A list of important events on the Department of Child Safety calendar.
Becoming a foster or kinship carer Foster and kinship carers are the backbone of our child protection system and we desperately need more carers to provide part-time or full-time foster care and kinship care. This information lists some questions to consider, the rewards and challenges and steps to becoming a carer.
Carer handbook The Carer handbook was produced with valuable input from foster and kinship carers, and provides information to assist all carers with the day to day issues they face in caring for children - from health and education matters to decision making, legal issues and emotional well-being. It also details the financial assistance available.
The Statement of commitment between the Department of Child Safety, foster care services and the carers of Queensland The Statement of commitment reflects the importance of sharing our responsibilities and respecting each other's rights in providing the necessary services that keep children and young people safe from harm and promote their well-being. It acknowledges the difficult task before us and is an expression of our sincere determination to work together to meet the challenges of the future.
Foster and kinship carers... make a difference This brochure discusses what foster and kinship care is, how you can help, who can be an approved carer, the training carers receive, how carers are supported and who to contact for more information.
Help keep our mob together… become a foster carer (Torres Strait Islander) This brochure outlines what foster care is, who can be a foster carer, how foster carers are supported, what is the financial assistance available and who to contact for more information.
Help keep our mob together… become a foster carer (Aboriginal) This brochure outlines what foster care is, who can be a foster carer, how foster carers are supported, what is the financial assistance available and who to contact for more information.
Steps to becoming a kinship carer Once you have made the decision that you are interested in being a kinship carer, there are a number of steps you go through to become approved as a kinship carer. This fact sheet outlines the steps to becoming a kinship carer, the approvals and application process and what happens if your application is approved by the department.
Foster and kinship care - do you have what it takes? This fact sheet outlines the carer qualities and abilities that a good foster or kinship carer brings to the role and the rewards and challenges of foster and kinship care.
Keep our kids in our community - become a foster carer There is a real need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to become foster and kinship carers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. This fact sheet outlines; what is foster, kinship and support care, what financial allowances are available, who can be a foster or kinship carer, how to become a foster or kinship carer, how carers are supported and who to contact for more information.
A blueprint for implementing the recommendations of the January 2004 Crime and Misconduct Commission report - Protecting children: an inquiry into abuse of children in foster care This blueprint outlines the strategy, plans and processes for implementing the CMC and Gwenn Murray audit report recommendations to improve the child protection system in Queensland. The blueprint recommends an implementation strategy to create the new Department of Child Safety, and provides staged programs of work to progress reforms over the next three years.
Annual report 2006-07 In 2006-07, the most widespread child protection reforms in Queensland's history culminated in the completion of all 110 recommendations of the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) report Protecting children: an inquiry into abuse of children in foster care. The significant achievements outlined in this report are the result of the hard work of thousands of dedicated people; departmental staff, foster and kinship carers and our government and community parents.
Annual report 2005-06 Our second full-year annual report for 2005-06 illustrates how the department has continued to rebuild Queensland's child protection system. By 30 June 2006, the department had implemented 95 of the 110 recommendations outlined in the Crime and Misconduct Commission report, Protecting children: an inquiry into abuse of children in foster care.
Annual report 2004-05 The 2004-05 financial year was a year of significant change and achievement for both the department and the Queensland child protection sector as a whole. This annual report outlines the Department of Child Safety's key roles and functions and details its performance and achievements against its strategic intents during 2004-05.
Annual report 2003-04 This annual report covers the Department of Child Safety from the date of its establishment on 13 February until 30 June 2004, as well as child protection activities undertaken by the former Department of Families from 1 July 2003 until 12 February 2004 when that department was abolished. This annual report provides an overview of the Department of Child Safety's performance and activities during 2003-2004.
Budget highlights 2008-09 In 2008-09 the Department will focus its spending on the quality of services to children and young people. Investment will be made holistically across the child protection system, with a special focus on people, placements, practice and partnerships, through a commitment of $586.6 million.
Foster and kinship care - allowances and benefits Foster carers and kinship carers receive a fortnightly caring allowance, which is a contribution towards the costs of caring for the child or young person placed with you by the Department of Child Safety. It covers items such as food, clothing, household provisions, gifts, pocket money, entertainment and other everyday costs of caring for a child. This fact sheet discusses the caring allowance, other financial assistance available and the payment schedules.
Information for kinship carers This fact sheet discusses; what is a kinship carer, what allowances are available, how to become a kinship carer, training required, support received, what you will need to do and how to obtain more information.
Legislative requirements for providing care The Child Protection Act 1999 and the Child Protection Regulation 2000 are the key laws that regulate how the government responds to children and young people in need of care and protection. This fact sheet outlines the legislative requirements that include the Statement of Standards (Section 122 of the Child Protection Act 1999) for foster and kinship carers, and the Charter of Rights for a child in care (Schedule 1 of the Child Protection Act 1999).
Steps to becoming a carer Carers can have a positive impact on a child or young person's life, and can provide the extra support children need in what can be a difficult and confusing time in their lives. To become an approved carer you will need to participate in an assessment process and where relevant, complete pre-service training.
Steps to becoming a foster carer Once you have made the decision that you are interested in being a foster carer, there are a number of steps you go through to become approved as a carer. This fact sheet outlines the steps to becoming a foster carer, the approvals and application process and what happens if your application is approved by the department.
Testimonies about foster and kinship care This fact sheet has testimonials from a foster carer, a support carer, a kinship carer and a young person in care.
Blue cards A blue card is a card issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG) and indicates that a person is eligible to work with children and young people in Queensland. This information outlines the eligibility requirements, application process and some commonly asked questions.
Recognised Entities Recognised Entities are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations or individuals mandated by their communities and approved and funded by the Department of Child Safety to provide cultural and family advice in Indigenous child protection matters. In placing an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child or young person outside of the home, the Department of Child Safety must involve a Recognised Entity to assist decision making in the best interests of the child or young person.
Maintaining confidentiality Everyone who works with children, young people and their families needs to respect their privacy and maintain confidentiality. As a foster carer or kinship carer, you need to be aware of your responsibilities under the Child Protection Act 1999 for handling information you may receive in your role as a carer. This fact sheet addresses the principles of confidentiality and tips for maintaining confidentiality.
Change in circumstances We understand that as a foster carer or kinship carer, your circumstances may change from time to time. You must inform the Department of Child Safety if a significant change in your circumstances has occurred or is expected to occur. This fact sheet addresses; when you should inform the Department of Child Safety of a change in circumstances, how to inform the department of a change in circumstances and what will happen if you do not inform the department of a change in circumstances.
Case planning for a child in care Case planning is the process used by the Department of Child Safety to make sure children and young people in out-of-home care receive the care and support they need, including maintaining a connection with their family. This fact sheet details how a case plan is designed to meet children and young people's needs ranging from placement and support, health and education, to emotional and social development. Children and young people should be involved in case planning in a way that is appropriate for their age and development.
What is a Care Agreement? A Care Agreement is an agreement between the Department of Child Safety and a parent to place their child or young person This fact sheet addresses the following issues; what rights do parents have if they sign a care agreement, who will care for a child or young person under a care agreement, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, when will the care agreement end and how to obtain more information.
Foster and kinship care - types of care Foster and kinship carers can be an individual, couples or even a team of adults. All sorts of people of different ages, backgrounds and family circumstances are foster carers. With this in mind there are a number of roles within foster and kinship care for consideration, this fact sheet addresses the different types of care, including; support care, emergency care, short-term care, long-term care and specialist care.
Foster carer card The foster carer card was introduced by the Queensland Government to recognise the valuable contribution that foster carers and kinship carers make to their communities and the lives of the children and young people they care for. This fact sheet discusses; what is the foster carer card, who is eligible, how to obtain one, which businesses accept the foster carer card, and its conditions of use.
Matters 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. 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 have been breached.
Child protection orders If it has been assessed that a child or young person has been harmed or is at risk of harm and requires protection, the department may apply to the Childrens Court for a child protection order. This fact sheet addresses why a child protection order may be sought and the different types of child protection orders.
Education support plans Children and young people in out-of-home care often have unique educational needs, and meeting these needs requires planning and support. An education support plan is developed in collaboration between our department and the Department of Education, Training and the Arts, for all children on a child protection order granting custody or guardianship to the Department of Child Safety. This fact sheet looks at what is involved with an educational support plan, when it is developed, what are the department's responsibilities and what the carer's role is.
Family contact - information for foster carers Continued contact with their biological families is fundamental to children and young people in maintaining a sense of self-value and identity. It has significant effects on the emotional and physical development of children and young people and can help them deal with the grief and loss they experience when they leave their family and enter out-of-home care. This fact sheet discusses the benefits of maintained family contact, the department's responsibilities, the role of the foster carers, how to maintain family contact and how to handle difficulties.
Therapeutic and medical needs for a child in care Most children and young people who are in out-of-home care have experienced harm or trauma in their life. This will impact on each child and young person differently. The Department of Child Safety is responsible for ensuring that each child or young person receives the help they need from appropriate services. This fact sheet discusses the therapeutic and medical needs of the child or young person and the combined support required to identify these needs.
Learning opportunities for carers Whether you are an experienced carer or new to the role, everyone can benefit from learning more about being a carer. This fact sheet discusses the benefits of informal and formal training and the different training requirements for foster carers and kinship carers.
Support for carers Being a foster carer or kinship carer is a challenging role with certain stresses and pressures. Research shows that carers who feel supported: achieve better outcomes for children and young people in their care, continue in their role as carers for longer periods of time and are less likely to experience 'burnout'. This fact sheet discusses providers of formal and informal support, the importance of building a support network and other important contacts.
Decision-making for children and young people In your role as a foster carer or kinship carer you are responsible for many decisions regarding the child or young person placed with you. It can be difficult to know where these decision-making responsibilities begin and end. This fact sheet provides a general guide about who is responsible for particular decisions on topics ranging from medical, educational, sporting and recreational activities, culture and religion, travel, behaviour management, family contact and counselling, and personal appearance.
Promoting positive behaviour From time to time children and young people in foster or kinship care may display behaviour that is difficult to manage. Often this behaviour will be quite normal for their age and stage in life. However, in some cases a child or young person may display a pattern of challenging behaviour that is disturbing or unusual. This fact sheet looks at reasons for challenging behaviour, short-term and long-term strategies to promote positive behaviour, unacceptable methods of managing behaviour, support for carers in promoting positive behaviour and other programs such as Triple P.
Keeping a life diary Each child or young person in care should have a record of their placement and their time spent in foster or kinship care. For this reason it is important to keep written records, such as a life diary or life story, for the child or young person as well as precious items, such as special toys, clothes, certificates, photos and mementos of special occasions to help the child or young person remember their life history.
Family contact - information for kinship carers Continued contact with their biological families is fundamental to children and young people in maintaining a sense of self-value and identity. It has significant effects on the emotional and physical development of children and young people and can help them deal with the grief and loss they experience when they leave their family and enter out-of-home care. This fact sheet discusses the benefits of maintained family contact, the department's responsibilities, the role of the foster carers, how to maintain family contact and how to handle difficulties.
What is provisional approval? Under the Child Protection Act 1999 a person can be provisionally approved as a foster carer or kinship carer, allowing them to care for a child or young person while their application to be a foster carer or kinship carer is decided. This fact sheet outlines the time limits for provisional approval, the minimum requirements for provisionally approved carers and the key steps to becoming a provisionally approved carer.
Foster carer card business directory This directory lists businesses offering various discounts to foster carers in Queensland and is printed and sent to all carers every six months.
Adoption release information Our Adoption Services Queensland Unit can assist persons adopted in Queensland to access information about their adoption. Non-identifying information can be provided, as well as identifying information where an objection to the disclosure is not in place.
Adopting a child from Queensland Children requiring adoptive placements under the General Children's Adoption Program are up to two years of age. The majority of children requiring placement have been between five and nine months of age at the time of their adoption. If a child has specific and significant needs — for example, relating to their cultural background, or relating to a significant medical condition or disability - the child's placement needs may be best met under the Special Needs Children's Adoption Program.
Considering adoption for your child? This information is relevant if you are a birth parent considering adoption for your child. Adoption transfers the legal rights and responsibilities of parenthood from the child's birth parents to their adoptive parents. The department's Adoption Services Queensland Unit can provide information to help parents make an informed decision about whether adoption is the best option for securing future care for their child.
Consultation paper on the future provision of child placement services within the Queensland child protection service system (May 2001) This paper explores models for the future provision of Child Placement Services in the Child Protection Service System. The paper has been written as part of the Child Protection Service System Improvement Project (CPSSIP). CPSSIP is examining all aspects of the Child Protection Service System, with the central objective of heightening both its effectiveness and efficiency, and ensuring it is truly "child-centred and family-focussed" as required under the Child Protection Act 1999.
Report on 2002 results on the year 3, 5 and 7 tests for children and young people in care In response to a report, Educating children and young people in the care of the state, by the Kids in Care Education Caucus Committee Working Group which was released in February 2003, the Queensland Government gave significant undertakings in response to the seven recommendations made by the Working Group. The Government response is entitled Government response to recommendations: Educating children and young people in the care of the state.
Educating children and young people in the care of the state: a report prepared by the Kids in Care Education Committee Working Group February 2003. On 4 December 2001 the Minister for Education, Anna Bligh MP, announced in Parliament the creation of a working group to examine the issue of children and young people in the care of the state and their poor educational and social outcomes. The working group was established in response to the CREATE Foundation report, Australian children and young people in care — education report card 2001. The report showed that Queensland was the only state in Australia collecting and matching data to track the educational outcomes of students in the care of the state.
Department of Families response to CREATE Foundation for use in the 2002 report card of 'Australian children and young people in care - education’ A national education report card about the educational needs and performance of children and young people in care.
At what cost?: resourcing the safety and wellbeing of Queensland's children and young people in care Response by the Department of Families to key points raised in At what cost?: resourcing the safety and wellbeing of Queensland's children and young people in care, a report commissioned by the Churches Community Services Forum (CCSF).
Centenary of care for children Centenary of care for children was published in 1979 by the then Department of Children's Services to mark one hundred years of government services to families in Queensland. This publication provides an historical record of departmental services such as foster care, adoption, and institutional care. Researchers and people working on family histories may find the information and photographs of interest.
Report on the 2006 Child Safety Research Conference The inaugural Child Safety Research Conference was held on 14 to 15 November 2006. Child protection practitioners (government and non-government), policy officers, other departmental staff, students and researchers heard keynote and sub-keynote addresses, participated in working sessions and had the opportunity to see examples of good practice.
Brighter Futures magazine The Department of Child Safety's monthly magazine which contains the latest news about the services, programs, policies and initiatives of Queensland's lead child protection agency.
Horizons - child protection research newsletter Published quarterly, Horizons offers practitioners and policy makers a snapshot of recent and relevant research into child protection. The newsletter is primarily an internal publication for the Department of Child Safety and is distributed to all child safety service centre's and zonal offices.
Terms of reference and operating model for Central Zone's child protection planning and partnership network arrangements The partnerships and planning Network arrangements specifically focus on issues of child protection. The Network arrangements will: identify local child protection priorities, plan localised integrated service delivery models between government and community-based organisations to deliver better services to children, young people and their families across the full child protection continuum, and build capacity of the child protection service system to better match services to the needs of children, young people and their families across the full child protection continuum.
From us and them to just us - an integrated model of care and support for young people in out of home care Wynnum Redlands Integrated Care and Support Initiative (WRICSI) presentation slides. WRICSI is a partnership between between 2 government area offices and 3 non-government agencies. It provides out of home care and support to young people aged 12-18 with complex needs, and flexible and individualised responses that focus on need and maintaining relationships.
Foundation studies in culture 'Indigenous engagement' training program The Foundation studies in culture 'Indigenous engagement' training was a two day competency based program that was developed in direct response to recommendation 5.9 of the Crime & Misconduct Commission Report. This is the workshop handout.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle Fact sheet on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle
Towards a cultural respectful child protection framework Presentation by Rachel Atkinson, Chair of QAIHC and Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Partnership.
Towards a cultural respectful child protection framework - presentation notes Descriptive notes from the presentation by Rachel Atkinson, Chair of QAIHC and Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Partnership.
Collaborating to achieve better child protection outcomes The Queensland Department of Child Safety has embraced a new framework of government and community partnership – one that is designed to improve service planning and delivery in the State's child protection sector. Through a multi-level planning and partnerships network, the department and its partners are scoping and shaping services in a way that fuses partnerships into service planning and delivery.
Non-government service provider - basic recordkeeping guide This guide has been developed for Service Providers in receipt of grant funding or Individual placement funding from, or licensed by, the department. Service providers should consider the information provided in this guide as reference material and interpret these guidelines in the context of their own environment when developing specific recordkeeping processes.
A quality assurance strategy for non-government child protection services, incorporating licensing of out-of-home care services This report summarises feedback received from participants who attended consultation meetings undertaken by the department for the consultation process for: A quality assurance strategy for non-government child protection services, incorporating licensing of out-of-home care services.
Out-of-home care services licensing manual This manual (draft version 1.1.) is designed to assist organisations providing out-of-home care services under the Child Protection Act 1999 to undertake the necessary steps to obtain and maintain a valid care service licence.
Closing statement, Minister for Families Closing statement by the Minister for Families to the CMC public hearing, Thursday, 23 October 2003.
Opening statement, Minister for Families Opening statement by the Minister for Families to the CMC public hearing on Monday, 13 October 2003.
Child Safety Officer: applicant information guide Information regarding the selection process for CSO applicants, including screening and assessment designed to give applicants a realistic view of the role and work conditions to encourage self selection and establish basic suitability.
Applicants information guide (general) This guide is to assist with applying for positions with the Department of Child Safety, it includes information about the application and selection processes.
Child Safety Officer: what does a Child Safety Officer (CSO) do? Child Safety Officers are involved in a range of activities and responsibilities. They assess, investigate and manage cases; work directly with vulnerable children who are at risk of harm or abuse, their families and alternative care workers; and may also introduce measures to protect children and improve family behaviour. This fact sheet presents a realistic view into the role of a CSO.
Rural and remote incentives summary There is a range of rural and remote locations with good incentives available to department employees in each location.
Child Safety Officer: job description Detailed job description available for download.
Child Safety Officer: employee entitlements All newly appointed Child Safety Officers (CSOs) attend an intensive training program. To prepare CSOs for their work, the training uses examples of real scenarios and hands-on activities that mirror the real work environment. After the initial training course, Team Leaders and specialist trainers will support new CSOs to complete an on-the-job training and assessment program.
Fact sheet Blue cards - carers A blue card is a card issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian and indicates that a person is eligible to work with children and young people in Queensland.
Prospective adoptive parent education program, intercountry adoption (Edition 1) The purpose of the Education Program for prospective adoptive parents is to provide information and support to assist you in assessing your capacity, capability and motivation to adopt a child. Many adoptive parents feel that during this time they are able to decide for themselves whether or not they wish to proceed with adoption.
General children’s adoption program information booklet Queensland This booklet provides information on general children's adoption and the process for couples seeking to be assessed as suitable adoptive parents for a child requiring an adoptive family.
Intercountry Adoption Program Information Booklet Queensland In this booklet you will find information about intercountry adoption and the process for couples seeking to be assessed as suitable adoptive parents for a child from an overseas country requiring an adoptive family. In Queensland this process occurs in several stages, starting with the initial enquiry, lodgement of an expression of interest, establishment of eligibility, education, assessment, determination of suitability, the overseas process, travel and post placement follow up.
Network and peak body contacts A list of networks and peak bodies in the Child Safety Services sector in Queensland.
Child Protection Partnership Forum contacts A list of key contacts and members of the Child Protection Partnership Forum.
Statewide Partnerships Forum members A list of members of the Child Safety Services Statewide Partnerships Forum.
Community organisations A list of well established support groups for families who have adopted children.
Community foster care agency contacts A list of community agencies that provide shared family care services.
Indigenous foster care agency contacts A list of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander shared family care service agencies.
Peak body and advocacy group contacts A list of peak bodies and advocacy groups involved in provision of foster care services in Queensland.
Grant Funding Information Paper Description of Triennial Grant Funding (applications and conditions) available to service providers to deliver specialist Family Intervention Services for families and children.
Submission of Grant Funding form Form for prospective service providers to use when applying for available funds.

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