Medi-Nav Orientation Resource v6, 2024

4.5 Child safety The Queensland Government is committed to the protection of children and young people who have been harmed or who are at risk of harm. The Queensland Health Child Safety website provides all staff with information on individuals’ responsibilities regarding child protection, how to recognise child abuse and neglect and how to report reasonable suspicions of child abuse and neglect. Harm to a child is defined in the Public Health Act 2005 as any detrimental effect on the child’s physical psychological or emotional wellbeing: + that is of a significant nature; and + that has been caused by physical, psychological or emotional abuse or neglect or sexual abuse or exploitation. Section 13C of the Child Protection Act 1999 provides matters which the staff member may consider in forming a ‘reasonable suspicion’ about significant harm: + Whether there are detrimental effects on the child’s body or the child’s psychological or emotional state that are evident or likely to become evident in the future. + The nature and severity of the detrimental effects. + The likelihood that the detrimental effects will continue. + The child’s age. Access the Child Protection Act 1999 at : https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act- 1999-010 For further information about child abuse and neglect, refer to : https://www.health.qld.gov.au/ data/ assets/pdf_file/0022/465160/childabuse-neglect-mod-ext.pdf Child Abuse Prevention Service: + Ph. 1800 177 135 (free call) o r https://www.caps.org.au/ Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services In non-emergencies during business hours, contact local child safety services centre on: + Ph. 1800 811 810 o r https://www.dcssds.qld.gov.au/ Child Safety After-Hours Service Centre: After-hours emergency service including assessment of urgent reports about harm to children and information referral services. + Ph. 1800 177 135 (free call, Queensland only) o rhttps://www.dcssds.qld.gov.au/contact- us