Respond to concerns about the standards of care or harm to a child in care

This procedure applies to a child who is placed under the Child Protection Act 1999, section 82(1). (Refer to Types of care arrangements.)

This procedure does not apply to a child in the care of their long-term guardian or permanent guardian.  (Refer to Procedure 1 Information about a child with a long-term or permanent guardian.)

Meet legal obligations

Child Safety staff members, employees of family-based and non-family-based care service providers, licensees of care services providing care to children, approved carers and adult members of the Queensland community have a range of legal obligations to keep children safe in care arrangements. In particular:

Receive concerns about a child's care arrangement

When concerns are received about:

• the quality of care a child is receiving in their care arrangement
  or
• alleged harm to a child caused by
  • a child’s carer, adult household member or a non-family-based care staff member
    or
  • another person, and the carer, adult household member or a non-family-based care staff member’s action or inaction contributed to the harm

the information is responded to as either:

• a standard of care review
• a harm report.

If concerns that meet the threshold for a harm report are received by CSAHSC, refer to Concerns received by the Child Safety After Hours Service Centre.

If concerns relate to:

• harm or risk of harm to a child by a parent during family time, refer to Procedure 5 Respond to child protection concerns related to family contact
• historical concerns, refer to Respond to historical concerns
• concerns received from the Redress Request for Information Team, refer to  Receive concerns through the redress scheme
• a child subject to a child protection order granting long-term guardianship to a suitable person or a permanent care order, refer to Procedure 1 Information about a child with a long-term or permanent guardian.

Engage with the notifier

Gather relevant information from the notifier including:

• whether they are making a mandatory report (Refer to the practice guide Notifiers and mandatory reporting.)
• their contact details so they may be recontacted, if needed
• details about the quality of care the child is receiving 
• details of any alleged abuse or neglect the child is experiencing and the impact of the abuse or neglect on the child (such as injury, behaviour or developmental impact)
• details of the person alleged responsible for the abuse
• when the concern was first identified or when the incident occurred. 

Record and communicate the concerns

Record the concerns as soon as possible in the care arrangement intake case note in the child’s care arrangement case. 

Advise the relevant senior team leader in each of the following CSSCs of the concerns contained in the care arrangement intake case note:

• the CSSC responsible for case management of each child
  and
• the CSSC responsible for the carer
  or
• the CSSC responsible for the geographical area where the non-family-based care arrangement is located.

Make a report to the QPS when information is received about alleged harm to a child that may involve the commission of a criminal offence, regardless of:

• the Child Safety response
• whether the child is in care.

Refer to the Child Protection Act 1999, section 14(2) and Procedure 1 Report information to the Queensland Police Service.

Establish who is responsible for leading the response

Use the table below to establish which CSSC is responsible for leading the response to the concerns.

CSSC responsible for leading the response

Decide the response

Consult relevant staff and services

Arrange a standard of care consultation meeting (SOC consultation meeting) with the following participants to discuss the information, exchange views and consider the response to the concerns:

• the foster and kinship care service provider or the non-family-based care service provider (Refer to Involve the service provider.)
• the CSO or senior team leader for each subject child (Refer to Involve the child safety officer with case responsibility for another child.)
• the cultural practice advisor for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child or another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff member. (Refer to Procedure 1 Consider cultural knowledge.)

The delegated officer will make the response decision at or following the SOC consultation meeting, within two business days of receiving the concerns from the notifier. (Refer to Make the decision.)

If a response decision is made by the delegated officer at the SOC consultation meeting:

• develop a plan for how the standards of care review will be completed (Refer to Plan the standards of care review.)
• develop a plan for how the harm report assessment will be completed. (Refer to Plan the harm report assessment.)

Involve the service provider

Prior to the SOC consultation meeting, advise the foster and kinship care service provider or non-family-based care service provider of the concerns. Ask the service provider to complete the SOC consultation form (foster and kinship care service provider) or the SOC consultation form (non-family-based care service provider).

If the service provider is unable to complete the SOC consultation form, ask them to provide the information verbally at the SOC consultation meeting. Record a summary of the information in the record of a standard of care consultation meeting in Unify.

Involve the child safety officer with case responsibility for another child

Advise the CSSC responsible for any other child in the care arrangement of the concerns and invite a practitioner from the CSSC to participate in the SOC consultation meeting and provide the following information:

• the child protection history (including harm reports and concerns about standards of care) for the purpose of considering cumulative impacts
• the child’s level of support needs (Refer to Determine the child’s level of support needs.)
• information about the child’s specific needs and the resources being provided to meet these
• the currency of the child’s placement agreement and whether the intended supports are being or have been provided
• any emerging matters relevant to the care of the child or the care arrangement
• the frequency, recency and nature of the CSO’s contact with the child and their care arrangement.

If the practitioner is unable to participate in the SOC consultation meeting, ask them to provide the information in writing before the meeting. This will enable it to be considered by other meeting participants.

Consider the child’s needs, circumstances and experiences

Access Unify cases to identify other information relevant to the response decision, such as:

• episodes of abuse or neglect and adverse circumstances in the child’s history that are indicative of cumulative harm and chronic maltreatment  
• past concerns relating to the carer or the non-family-based care service provider
• factors that may exacerbate the vulnerability of the subject child
• strengths and protective factors.

Make the decision

The delegated officer responsible for the response decision will be either:

• the CSSC manager, for a decision to respond with a harm report 
• the senior team leader, for a decision to respond with a standards of care review.

In deciding the response to the concerns, the delegated officer will take into account:

• what is reasonable, having regard to the length of time the child is in the care arrangement, and the child’s age and development (Child Protection Act 1999, section 122(4))
• the child’s needs, circumstances and experiences
• the information and views shared by the participants in the SOC consultation meeting.

The response decision will be either:

• a harm report – when there is a reasonable suspicion that a child in care has experienced harm caused by
  • a carer, an adult household member or staff member of a non-family-based care arrangement or
  • another adult or child aged over 10 years with capacity to understand the consequences of their actions, and it is reasonably suspected that the action or inaction of the carer, adult household member or staff member contributed to the child experiencing harm. (Refer to Decide if action or inaction contributed  to the harm.)
• a standards of care review – when there is a reasonable suspicion that the child’s carer or one or more staff members of a non-family-based care service provider has not met or is not meeting, one or more of the standards of care (Child Protection Act 1999, section 122).

A harm report is not recorded if the concerns only indicate risk of harm to a child in a care arrangement. In this circumstance:

• record a standards of care review if there is information to suggest the standards of care have not been met
• take action to address the risk of harm such as 
  • review if the child will remain in the care arrangement
  • provide additional support and undertake intensive case work with the child 
  • provide additional support to the carer or care service (Refer to Respond proactively to emerging issues.)
  • consider a review of carer suitability. (Refer to Review carer suitability.)

After the delegated officer approves the decision:

• inform the following people of the decision
  • the foster and kinship care service provider or
  • the non-family-based care service provider and
  • the CSO for another subject child of the response decision, if relevant
• advise the notifier of the response decision, if they are from a government or non-government agency and they asked to be given this information. (Refer to Procedure 1 Provide feedback to government and non-government agencies.)

Decide if action or inaction contributed to the harm

When information is received about harm to a child caused by a person other than the child’s carer, an adult household member or a staff member, including a person who does not live in the care arrangement, only record a harm report if it is reasonably suspected that the actions or inactions of the carer or staff member has:

• contributed to the alleged harm or
• failed to protect the child from the alleged harm.

To determine whether to record a harm report in these circumstances consider:
the contributing role of the carer or staff member (for example by allowing unsupervised contact contrary to the child’s case plan or placement agreement, resulting in harm to the child)

• the protective capacity of the carer or staff member and their response to the child (for example, whether they are supporting the child and taking protective action or if they have rejected the child or refused to take action to ensure the child’s safety)
• the ability and willingness of the carer or staff member to protect the child, including whether they
  • support the child, believe the child or blame the child for the harm
  • have an ongoing relationship or connection with the alleged person responsible that will affect their ability to protect the child
  • are able to protect the child but are unwilling to do so, due to identified factors (for example, the alleged person responsible may be a relative or friend of the carer, or an influential person, which may create a conflict of interest and prevent the carer from acting protectively).

If the information received does not indicate that the carer or staff member contributed to the harm the child experienced, respond to the matter in line with usual intake processes and take appropriate action to support the child. (Refer to Procedure 1 Decide the intake response.)

Respond to alleged harm by another child

If the alleged person responsible for the harm is another child in care, consider whether:

• that child, in addition to the subject child, may have experienced harm while in care or
• that child’s harmful actions indicate they may have previously experienced harm (while in the care of their parents or another person) that has not previously been assessed.

If relevant, record:

• a separate harm report with the alleged person responsible (the child) as a subject child, where it is reasonably suspected the child experienced harm while in care (for example, emerging harmful sexual behaviours, where there is no known history of the child being sexually abused)
• a notification, if the child’s actions indicate they may have experienced harm while in the care of their parents. For example, it is reasonably suspected the child was sexually abused while in the care of their parents and this has not previously been assessed.

Consider whether a review of the child’s case plan is required and provide the child  with appropriate support. 

Record the decision

To record the response, create a standards of care case in Unify and include all the relevant parties and their role:

• each subject child
• the carer entity (for a family-based carer)
• care service entity (for a non-family-based care provider)
• the staff member
• other children placed in the care arrangement, who are not subject children.

For a harm report , only record a child as a ‘subject child’ if there is a reasonable suspicion they have experienced harm. Record other children in care who are residing in the care arrangement as an ‘other child’. 

If a reasonable suspicion is formed during the assessment that a child listed as an ‘other child’ has experienced harm, change their role to ‘subject child’.  

For a harm report, include the role of the alleged person responsible, noting that a person can be assigned more than one role. 

Complete the record of a standard of care consultation meeting form, documenting:

• the details of all participants
• the notifier’s contact details
• the specific details of the concerns including
  • the original notified concerns
  • a summary of additional concerns raised during the consultation process
• other relevant contextual information
• the rationale for the response decision and the date of the decision.

Attach the written information provided by the foster and kinship care service provider or non-family-based care service provider to the documents tab in the standard of care case.

If a SOC consultation meeting occurred and a decision made not to record a standards of care review or harm report:

• create a care arrangement intake case note in the care arrangement case
• record details of the SOC consultation meeting, including
  • the details of all participants
  • a summary of the information shared by each of the participants
  • the views of the participants about the appropriate response
• record the CSSC manager or senior team leader’s decision that a standard of care review or harm report is not appropriate and the reasons for the decision
• record the action that will be taken to ensure an issue does not escalate. (Refer to Respond proactively to emerging issues.)

Take additional action

The CSSC responsible for leading the response decision will also complete the following actions as relevant in the circumstances.

Complete a standards of care review

The focus of this response is on reviewing if the care a child is receiving in their care arrangement has met or is meeting each of the legislated standards of care. (Refer to the Child Protection Act 1999, section 122.)

Plan the standards of care review

Before commencing a standards of care review the CSSC responsible for leading the response will develop a plan in partnership with: 

• the foster and kinship care service provider or
• the non-family-based care service provider and
• a CSSC responsible for another subject child, if relevant.

Develop the plan as part of the SOC consultation meeting, when possible. (Refer to Consult relevant staff and services.)

Address the following key actions in the plan :

• provide immediate support to the child and the carer to address the issue impacting the child’s quality of care
• tell the carer or staff member of the standard of care review and explaining they can arrange to have a support person attend the discussion
• provide and discussing the Information sheet for carers and staff members
• plan who will lead the discussion about the concerns (Refer to Discuss the standards of care concerns.)
• enable both carers to participate (if a joint certificate of approval is held)
• check the placement agreement to see if it is up to date, and whether the documented supports are being actioned
• talk to the subject child
• gather additional information, if required
• develop contingency plans for responding to issues and difficulties that may impede the timely completion of the standard of care review.

For a non-family-based care arrangement, also consider:

• how to arrange the discussion of the concerns with staff members who work rostered hours outside business hours
• access the service’s procedures or training documentation, where relevant.

Obtain verbal approval for the plan from the senior team leader and record it in the standards of care review report in Unify.

Discuss the standards of care concerns 

Arrange for the concerns to be discussed with the carer by either:

• the support worker from the foster and kinship care service provider (or another nominated staff member)
• the CSO or another Child Safety nominated staff member
  or
• jointly by the CSO and the support worker.

The CSO or other Child Safety practitioner will lead the discussion of concerns with a staff member of a non-family-based care service.

When discussing the concerns, use solution-focused questions or an appreciative inquiry approach to explore:

• the carer's or staff member's understanding of the specific standards of care being reviewed and how the standards are applied to their daily care of the child
• their account of the circumstances surrounding the issue or concern
• aspects of their care role they feel are working well for them, and those presenting challenges at this time.

Use the information provided to consider whether there may be additional or different supports that could assist the carer or staff member in their caring role. 

Speak with the child

The CSO will have a face-to-face discussion with the child about their experience of the care arrangement and the identified concerns. Before discussing the concerns with the child:

• let the child know they can have a support person present
• consider the child’s communication needs and arrange any supports if required
• provide and explain theInformation sheet for children and young people
• explain to  the child how the information they provide will be used and who it might be shared with
• arrange a location where the child is more likely to feel safe and comfortable.

For an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child, offer the child an independent person to help them participate in decision making. If they agree, arrange an independent person in consultation with the child. (Refer to Procedure 5 Make arrangements for an independent person.)

Give the child the opportunity and support they need to express their views and wishes, and to raise matters about the quality of care they are experiencing, including how their rights under the Child Protection Act 1999, schedule 1, are being met. Genuinely listen to and attempt to understand their view so that they can be considered in the standards of care review. Ensure their views are recorded.

Identify contributing factors

Consider how the actions or inactions of Child Safety and the foster and kinship care service provider or the non-family-based care service provider may have contributed to the concerns, including:

• the frequency, adequacy and nature of contact by the CSO with the child and the care arrangement
• the frequency, adequacy and nature of support provided by the foster and kinship care service provider to the carer, given the carer’s level of experience and needs and the complexity of the child’s needs
• the support and supervision provided to the staff member, taking into account their experience and the complexity of the child’s needs
• the nature and recency of the training provided to the carer or staff member in a non-family-based care arrangement relevant to the concerns
• whether the key activities in the child’s case plan are being actioned in a timely and responsive way by members of the child’s safety and support network
• the progress of actions following the outcomes of previous standards of care reviews or harm reports, where relevant
• the presence of additional stressors in the care arrangement such as changes in the household, personal stress, or issues with the management of the child’s challenging behaviours.

Decide the outcome of the standards of care review

To decide the outcome of the standards of care review :

• analyse the information obtained from all sources.
• consult the senior team leader and senior practitioner.
• seek the views of the foster and kinship care service or the non-family-based care service provider, particularly if they have had an active role in the standards of care review.
• take into account the contextual and systemic factors that have impacted on the child’s care.
• propose an outcome and provide a rationale for this assessment.

The outcome of the standards of care review will be either:

• standards met-this outcome is appropriate when
  • the care provided to the child is in line with the required standards of care
    and
  • there is no indication that the child has experienced harm.
• standards not met- this outcome is appropriate when
  • the care provided to the child has not met the required standards of care
    and
  • there is no indication that the child has experienced harm. 

Identify the specific standards of care that have not been met, as outlined in the Child Protection Act 1999, section 122.

Advise parties of the standards of care review outcome

When the outcome has been approved by the senior team leader, provide verbal advice of the outcome to:

• the carer and the manager or coordinator of the foster and kinship care service provider supporting the carer
  or
• the manager or coordinator of the non-family-based care service provider
• the subject child, if age and developmentally appropriate
• each CSO responsible for a child placed with the carer or care service.

Provide written advice of the outcome, when requested using either of the following templates:

•  Letter to carer―standards of care review outcome.

• Letter to care service―standards of care review outcome.

Tell the carer they may raise a complaint or seek a review of the process if they are not happy with the process or the outcome. If the carer would like to make a complaint or seek a review, refer them to the Compliments and complaints website for information about Child Safety’s complaint management process.

If a child is not happy with  the assessment process:

• listen to their concerns and take them seriously
• ask them what would help to make things better
• work with the child to try and resolve their concerns
• refer them to the Making a complaint website for child-friendly information about making a complaint.

Respond when the standards of care are not met

The CSSC responsible for the standards of care review will take appropriate action when the outcome is ‘standards not met’, based on the care arrangement type: 

• For a family-based care arrangement
  • review the child’s placement agreement to identify any additional supports that will assist the carer to provide care consistent with the standards of care (Refer to Review the placement agreement.)
  • recommend additional processes, where relevant, such as
    • review the foster carer agreement (Refer to Consider an additional, early review of the foster carer agreement.)
    • review carer suitability (Refer to Review carer suitability.)
• For a non-family-based care arrangement
  • ensure an action plan is developed by the service provider (Refer to Develop an action plan with a non-family-based care service provider.)
  • consider whether a review of the placement agreement is required. (Refer to When to undertake an early review of the placement agreement.)

Record the standards of care review

After the placement agreement is reviewed (for a family-based  care arrangement) or the action plan is developed (for a non-family-based  care arrangement):

• complete the standards of care review report in Unify
• seek senior team leader approval for the standards of care review report.

When the senior team leader approves the standards of care review report, the standards of care case will be closed in Unify.

Assess a harm report

A harm report assessment is completed by an authorised officer with the required level of skill and experience to manage the matter, taking into account:

• the complexities of the allegations, including possible barriers to disclosure
• the subject child’s circumstances and specific needs
• whether the matter requires a joint response with the QPS (Refer to Procedure 2 Consult with the Queensland Police Service to decide if there will be a joint response.)
• the recency of the allegations. (Refer to Respond to historical concerns.)

If the harm report relates to a family-based carer, the assessment is undertaken by 2 CSOs, or a CSO and the QPS (if a joint response is required).

If the harm report relates to a staff member of a non-family-based care arrangement, the assessment is undertaken by:

• an authorised officer nominated by the CSSC manager, with the manager or the coordinator of the non-family-based care arrangement
• a CSO and the QPS (if a joint response is required). 

Plan the harm report assessment

Plan the assessment with:

• the foster and kinship care service provider or the non-family-based care service provider
• the CSO with case responsibility for each subject child
• the senior team leader and senior practitioner (if required) of the CSSC responsible for the harm report assessment
• the Child Safety planning officer, who will consult with the QPS if a joint response is required (Refer to Procedure 2 Consult with the Queensland Police Service to decide if there will be a joint response.)
• the QPS (if appropriate).

In planning the harm report assessment , consider:

• the child’s safety and wellbeing, including whether any action is needed to ensure the child’s safety 
• if the child remains in the care arrangement during the assessment, what immediate support is needed by the child and the carer to mitigate risk to the child, and who will provide the supports
• the sources of relevant information needed to assess the concerns, and who will be responsible for gathering the information 
• who will interview the subject child and where is best to interview them
• how best to support the subject child to participate and express a view about what is, and what is not, in their best interests
• who will interview other relevant children, and where
• who will be responsible for
  • advising the carer or staff member of harm report assessment, to the extent that the information does not jeopardise the safety of a child or a criminal investigation
  • advising the carer or staff member of their right to have support or advocacy through the process
  • interviewing the carer or staff member
• communication and information sharing with other entities or services (for example, the QPS, the foster and kinship care service provider or non-family-based care service provider, other CSSCs)
• whether the matter meets SCAN team referral criteria
• timeliness, and how to ensure the process is undertaken as quickly as possible, and within six weeks.

Refer to the Checklist for planning an assessment of a harm report.

Once the planning process is completed:

• gain verbal approval for the plan from the senior team leader
• record the plan in the harm report - assessment plan form on the plans tab in Unify
• provide a copy of the assessment plan to those responsible for assessment activities. 

Provide information to relevant parties

If during planning it is deemed appropriate to pre-arrange interviews, determine whether the Child Safety practitioner or the service provider will contact the carer or the staff member. The CSO will contact the child (if age and developmentally appropriate.)

Tell the child and carer or the staff member:

• that an assessment will be undertaken in response to concerns about the care arrangement and what the process involves
• of their right to have a support person present during the interview, and to have assistance with identifying options for accessing support
• how the information they give will be used, and who it might be shared with. 

Provide written advice

Complete the Letter to carer/staff member—advice of harm report. This can be provided to the carer or the staff member at the time of the interview, or at any time prior to the interview.

Also provide a copy of the letter, where relevant, to:

• the manager or coordinator of the foster and kinship care service or the non-family-based service provider
• the regional Investment and Partnership team or relevant staff of another government agency, if a care service is funded or regulated by that agency.

Attach a copy of the letter to the documents tab in Unify.

Interview relevant parties

In exceptional circumstances when a child cannot be sighted or sighted and interviewed to commence the harm report assessment within 24 hours, arrange for a QPS officer or health professional to have contact with the subject child and provide Child Safety information about the child’s  safety.

The CSSC manager is responsible for seeking the regional director’s advice if it is not possible commence a harm report assessment within 24 hours.

Gather relevant information in the interviews

Gather relevant information is gathered that will enable an assessment of:

• whether the child has experienced harm  (Refer to Assess harm and Assess cumulative harm.)
• whether the child is at risk of harm (Refer to Assess risk of harm.)
• whether the standards of care are met (Refer to Discuss the standards of care concerns.)
• whether an immediate change of care arrangement is required (Refer to Remove a child from the care arrangement.)
• whether systemic or contextual factors have contributed to the standards of care not being met for the child (Refer to Identify contributing factors.)
  and
• whether further children can be placed with the carer or care service while the assessment is undertaken.

Record all interview information in the information informing assessment tab in the harm report - assessment case in Unify.

Sight and interview each subject child

Before interviewing the subject child:

• give them a copy of the Information sheet for children and young people and discuss the contents with them (considering their age and ability to understand), to help them understand the harm report assessment process
• give them a copy of My rights in care – information for children or My rights in care – information for young people and explain their rights to them
• tell them of their right to have a support person present during the interview, and to have assistance identifying options for accessing support
• ensure the support person (if relevant) has been provided with information to help them understand their role and to ensure they are aware of the requirement for confidentiality under the Child Protection Act 1999, section 188. (Refer to the practice guide The role of a support person.)
• explain how the information they give will be used, and who it might be shared with. 

Sight each subject child and complete face-to-face interviews with each subject child who can communicate. Also interview any other child who is placed in the care arrangement or was placed in the care arrangement at the time of the concerns, (listed as an ‘other child’ in the Unify case). 

Explore the child’s account of the concerns. Gather information about their concerns and experiences in the care arrangement and give them the opportunity and support they  need to:

• express their views and wishes
• raise matters about the quality of care they are experiencing
• voice how their rights under the Child Protection Act 1999, schedule 1 are being met.

Genuinely listen to and attempt to understand their views so that they can be considered  in the harm report assessment. Record the information gathered in the information informing assessment tab in the harm report – assessment case to be considered in the assessment.

Take action to ensure a child’s safety

If a child is at immediate risk of harm or unacceptable risk of harm in their care arrangement and protective intervention would not ensure their safety and wellbeing, the CSSC manager can decide to remove the child from the care arrangement. (Refer to Remove a child from a care arrangement.)

Harm to children not recorded as subject children

If a child in care recorded as an ‘other child’ is reasonably suspected to have experienced harm, change their role in the case to ‘subject child’ and include them in the harm report assessment.
If a child who lives in the household but is not in care may have experienced harm, take action in line with usual intake processes. (Refer to Procedure 1 Assess the information and decide the response.)

Respond to a child who is alleged responsible for the harm

If the alleged person responsible  for the harm is another child in care, consider and respond to the needs of this child during the assessment, as well as the subject child’s needs. Refer the child to appropriate support services (for example, medical or therapeutic services) if required.

Interview the carer or staff member

Before interviewing a carer or staff member:

• Give them the the Letter to carer/staff member—advice of harm report and the Information sheet for carers and staff members, if they have not received them previously.
• Make all reasonable attempts to accommodate a legal representative where this will not unreasonably delay the interview.
• Ensure the support person (if relevant) has been provided with information to help them understand their role and to ensure they are aware of the requirement for confidentiality under the Child Protection Act 1999, section 188 (Refer to the practice guide The role of a support person.)
• Tell them how the information they give will be used and who it may be shared with.

A carer or staff member  may record the harm report assessment interview. If they choose to record the interview advise them that:

• it is an offence to publish information that leads to the identification of a child in care (Child Protection Act 1999, section 189)
• circulating or placing video or audio footage which identified a child as being known to Child Safety in an accessible public place or on the internet, is in breach of the confidentiality provisions of the Child Protection Act 1999
• committing an offence under the Child Protection Act 1999 could result in the person being liable for prosecution or punishment by way of a fine or imprisonment.

During the interview  tell the carer or staff member what each of the concerns are and the information that has been gathered in relation to the concerns, and give them an opportunity to respond.

Make sure interviews are also conducted with:

• other persons alleged responsible for harm to the child 
• both carers listed on the certificate of approval
• adult household members or other staff members in the care arrangement who may have relevant information.

Analyse the information

Assess the information gathered from each subject child, the carer or staff member and other sources to inform a decision about:

• whether the child has experienced harm 
• whether the child is at risk of harm 
• whether the standards of care have been met.

Assess harm

Assess whether the child has experienced harm, that is, whether there has been a detrimental effect of a significant nature on a child’s physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing, taking into account the impact of cumulative harm (Child Protection Act 1999, section 9). 

For a detrimental effect to be of a significant nature it will:

• have more than a minor impact on a child’s physical, emotional or psychological wellbeing
• be substantial, serious and demonstrable (that is, measurable or observable on the child’s body, functioning or behaviour)
• likely be long-term (more than transitory) or adversely affect the child’s health or wellbeing to an extent that the general public would consider unacceptable.

Assess cumulative harm

Consider the prior experiences of harm that are likely to exacerbate the effect of trauma the child has previously experienced in their family or a previous care arrangement.

Consider the likely extent and impact of the cumulative harm by considering whether the child has experienced harm over a prolonged period due to the impacts of:

• recurring incidents resulting from a single recurring adverse circumstance or event, for example ongoing neglect
• a series or combinations of acts, omissions or circumstances that have a cumulative effect on their safety and wellbeing (Child Protection Act 1999,  section 9(4))
• being subject to multiple, different harmful circumstances and events over a long period or concurrently, for example a combination of persistent verbal abuse, harsh discipline and exposure to domestic and family violence. 

Assess risk of harm

To assess risk of harm, consider:

• the likelihood the child will be harmed in the future (in their care arrangement), if nothing changes
• the presence of risk factors and other factors that mitigate the risk
• the carer’s or staff member’s understanding of the concerns, and their ability and willingness to work with the child’s safety and support network to mitigate risk
• evidence that the care arrangement can meet the child’s safety needs.

Assess the standards of care

Assess whether the standards of care have been met and are being met for the child (Refer to Child Protection Act 1999, section 122.)

Complete the assessment within the timeframe

In exceptional circumstances, a harm report assessment may not be completed within timeframe when:

• the scope and complexity of the assessment requires multiple interviews of a relevant person
• someone declines to be interviewed, or is currently living in a distant location
• additional concerns are received before the assessment is completed, which need to be addressed
• additional subject children are identified and included in the assessment
• the allegations are historical, particularly those that date back years or decades
• the QPS request Child Safety not proceed with interviews of relevant parties to ensure the integrity of the criminal investigation. (Refer to Respond when a criminal investigation is occurring.)

In these circumstances, arrange for the CSSC manager to write to the carer or staff member to advise them of the delay, the reasons for the delay and to provide an estimated completion date.

Respond when a criminal investigation is occurring

If the QPS are undertaking a criminal investigation and request that Child Safety not take certain action to assess a harm report, the harm report assessment will be put on hold until the QPS advise that either their investigation is finalised, or that Child Safety can complete the actions necessary to assess the harm report.

When a harm report assessment is put on hold, the relevant CSSC must:

• take appropriate action to ensure the safety of any child or children
• disclose information only to the extent the QPS advise is appropriate about the reasons the harm report assessment is not progressing
• liaise regularly with the QPS about the progress of the criminal investigation, to confirm when it is appropriate to assess the harm report.

Propose the suspension of a family-based carer

For a family-based care arrangement, if the child or children placed with the alleged person responsible are removed and other children cannot be placed in the care arrangement, the carer’s certificate of approval is taken to be suspended on the grounds that:

• the alleged person responsible is not a suitable person to hold a certificate or
• a member of the carer’s household is not suitable to associate with a child on a daily basis.

In these circumstances, take action in accordance with Propose to suspend the certificate of approval.

Suspending the certificate of approval ensures that:

• the carer has an opportunity to seek an external review of the decision
• the matter is brought to the attention of the CSU, who will provide relevant information to Blue Card Services (Child Protection Act 1999, section 140A).

Finalise the harm report assessment 

When the QPS advise Child Safety that the assessment can contine, take action to complete the  harm report assessment.

Carer or staff member resigns before the harm report assessment is finalised

When the QPS advise Child Safety that the assessment can continue and:

• the staff member has resigned
  or
• the carer has surrendered or not renewed their certificate of approval 

while the harm report assessment was on hold:

• engage the alleged person responsible in the harm report assessment, with their consent, to afford them a right of reply
  and
• finalise the harm report assessment.

Escalation

In circumstances where the CSSC is unable to obtain an update on the progress of the criminal investigation, or there is concern about the period the harm report assessment has remained on hold, the escalation process will occur with relevant staff as outlined in the table below.

Decide the outcome of a harm report assessment

To decide the outcome of the harm report assessment:

• assess the information that has been gathered and consider contextual factors specific to the child and their care arrangement
• discuss assessment with senior team leader and form a recommendation about the outcome for each subject child
• refer the matter to a practice panel to
  • confirm the outcome to recommend to the CSSC manager for each subject child
  • identify actions necessary to respond to harm, risk of harm or the standards of care not being met. (Refer to the practice guide Practice panels.)

Harm report assessment outcomes

A CSSC manager is delegated to decide the outcome of a harm report assessment. 

In making a final decision about the outcome, the CSSC manager will consider:

• all information provided by the child
• the responses to concerns given by the alleged person responsible 
• the views of the foster and kinship care service provider or the non-family-based care service provider
• other relevant information gathered to inform the assessment
• the practice panel’s recommended outcome.

The outcome will be one of the following.

Substantiated―standards not met                                                                                                                                                   This outcome is appropriate when:

• the child has experienced harm  or is likely to experience future harm
  and
• the carer, adult household member, or staff member is responsible for the harm
  or
• another person is responsible for the harm and the actions or inactions of the carer or staff member have contributed to the harm. 

Record at least one of the carers or a staff member as a person responsible for the harm. This outcome cannot be used if it is not possible to identify the person responsible for the harm.

This outcome requires an action plan. (Refer to Develop an action plan.) 

Substantiated harm―standards met                                                                                                                                               This outcome is appropriate when:

• the child has experienced harm or is likely to experience future harm
  and
• the  carer, adult household member, or staff member did not cause the harm 
  and
• there is no indication that the standards of care required under the Child Protection Act 1999, section 122 have not been met.

The person responsible for the harm will be either:

• another adult who resides in, or frequents, the care arrangement
• another child (if aged 10 years or over and the child is assessed as having the developmental ability or capacity to understand the consequences of their actions)
• a person responsible who is unable to be identified.

This outcome requires a review of the child’s case plan.

Unsubstantiated―standards not met                                                                                                                                             This outcome is appropriate when:

• the child has not experienced harm and is unlikely to experience harm in the future
  and
• the carer or staff member has not met the standards of care required under the Child Protection Act 1999, section 122.

This outcome requires:

• an action plan when it applies to a non-family-based care service provider (Refer to Develop an action plan.)
• for a carer
  • a review of the placement agreement (Refer to Review the placement agreement.)
  • additional processes, where relevant, such  as
    • a review of the foster carer agreement (Refer to Consider an additional, early review of the foster carer agreement.)
      or
    • a review of carer suitability. (Refer to Review carer suitability.)

 Unsubstantiated―standards met                                                                                                                                                      This outcome is appropriate when: 

• the child has not experienced harm and is unlikely to experience harm in the future and
• the care provided to the child is consistent with the standards of care required under the Child Protection Act 1999, section 122.

No outcome                                                                                                                                                                                                          In exceptional circumstances, it may not be possible to record a harm report assessment  outcome. Exceptional circumstances may include if the allegations are historical and relevant people cannot be contacted to assess the information. 

When an assessment has not been able to be completed, the senior team leader will consult the senior practitioner to confirm the outcome and will provide clear rationale for approving ‘no outcome’. 

Do not use this outcome if the reason for not assessing is resourcing or workload issues. 

Record the outcome

Document the interviews with relevant parties in the new harm report – engagement/information gathering form under the information informing assessment tab in Unify. Include:

• the date, time and details of all contact with the subject child and the carer or staff member
• details of who sighted and interviewed each subject child, the carer or staff member
• any action taken to refer the matter to the QPS under the Child Protection Act 1999, section 14(2).
• a summary of the key information gathered from interviews with each subject child, the person alleged responsible and other relevant persons
• details of responses to the allegations, including any disclosures, admissions or denials
• observations of each subject child and the care arrangement.

Document all relevant information gathered from other sources to inform the assessment, including:

• information from the foster and kinship care service provider or non-family-based care service provider
• information from government or non-government agencies
• information from the QPS
• action taken to assist with the harm report assessment, such as a medical examination

in the information informing the assessment tab.

Check the relevant parties in the harm report – assessment case to ensure the information is up to date. If necessary:

• add additional parties or persons
• edit roles to reflect any changes
• assign the role of ‘person responsible’, if relevant.

Complete the harm report – assessment & outcome form, documenting:

• an assessment of whether the child has been harmed and whether there is an unacceptable risk of harm
• the person responsible for the harm
• the assessment of whether the standards of care have been met for the child and if not, which standards have not been met
• whether action was taken to move the child from their care arrangement and the reasons for this.

Submit the harm report – assessment & outcome to the senior team leader for approval.

Advise parties of the harm report assessment outcome

After the harm report assessment is approved, provide advice about the outcome to relevant parties. Provide verbal advice to:

• the child (if appropriate, given their age and level of development)
• the carer or staff member
• the foster and kinship care service provider or the non-family-based care service provider
• the CSO responsible for any other child placed with the carer or care service
• at least one parent of the child.

Provide written advice to:

• the carer or staff member using the Letter to carer—outcome of harm report or Letter to staff member—outcome of harm report
• the child (if age and developmentally appropriate) using the template Letter to child – outcome of harm report.

Provide a copy of the letter (and action plan, where applicable) to:

• the manager or coordinator of the foster and kinship care service provider
• the manager or coordinator of the non-family-based care service provider
• the regional Investment and Partnership team, who will forward a copy to the nominee (for a service provider licensed by Child Safety)
• another agency responsible for the regulation of the entity, as appropriate.

Attach a copy of the letter to the documents tab in the harm report – assessment case.

If a person is not happy with the assessment process:

• tell them they may raise a complaint or seek a review of the process
• refer them to the Compliments and complaints  website for information  about Child Safety’s complaint management process.

If a child is not happy with  the assessment process:

• listen to their concerns and take them seriously
• ask them what would help to make things better
• work with the child to try and resolve their concerns
• refer them to the Making a complaint website for child-friendly information about making a complaint.

Provide information to the child’s parents

Provide at least one of the child’s parents with information about the outcome of the assessment of the harm report assessment unless there is a reasonable belief that: 

• someone may be charged with a criminal offence for harming the child, and providing advice of the outcome of the assessment may jeopardise an investigation into the offence
  or
• providing advice about the outcome of the assessment may expose the child to harm.

Refer to the Child Protection Act 1999, section 15.

If the child is subject to a child protection order granting long-term guardianship to a suitable person, advise at least one of the child’s parents only if doing so would be in the child’s best interests, having regard to:

• the child’s views
• the nature and extent of the child’s connection with their parents
• the evidence in support of the allegation
• any other matter relevant to the child’s safety, belonging or wellbeing needs.

Develop an action plan

An action plan is developed to ensure children in a care arrangement are safe from harm, and that the care they receive into the future is consistent with the statement of standards. 

An action plan is required following a standard or care review or a harm report assessment in the following circumstances.

Develop an action plan for a carer

Work in partnership with the foster and kinship care service provide to develop an action plan for a carer that:

• addresses the issues identified during the assessment
  and
• includes actions to ensure the child is safe from harm and that their care meets the standards of care.

The CSSC responsible for the carer will ensure a meeting is arranged to collaboratively develop the action plan with the relevant parties, unless an exception applies. (Refer to Circumstances when an action plan for a carer is not required.) Relevant parties include:

• the carer
• the foster and kinship care service provider
• the child (if age and developmentally appropriate)
• the CSO for the child
• the child’s support person, if the child wishes
• a member of the PSU, if relevant.

The action plan will focus on what is required to ensure that the child’s safety and the care provided meets the required standards of care and is maintained. The parties will identify the specific actions required and agree who is responsible for the actions—the CSO, the carer, the foster and kinship care service provider, or other relevant people.

Specific actions may include the need to:

• review the ongoing appropriateness of the care arrangement to meet the child’s needs
• review the placement agreement and the case plan to ensure there is a shared understanding of the child’s needs and agreement on how they should be met
• develop a positive behaviour support plan (Refer to Procedure 5 Develop a positive behaviour support plan.)
• review the foster carer agreement
• review the carer’s suitability
• amend the carer’s certificate of approval
• address systemic issues that have contributed to the concerns
• arrange for additional contact with the carer by the CSO or the foster and kinship care service provider.

Document the harm report action plan in Unify and provide a copy to each party (including the child, if age and developmentally appropriate). 

Circumstances when an action plan for a carer is not required

The exceptions to the requirement to develop an action plan for a carer are:

• a decision is made to cancel an approved carer’s certificate of approval
• the child is removed from the kinship carer and there are no other children placed with the carer
• the carer surrenders their certificate of approval, or their certificate of approval expires during the harm report assessment.

If a carer’s certificate of approval is cancelled, and the decision is later overturned by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), an action plan will be required. (Refer to 

If a carer’s certificate of approval is cancelled, surrendered or expires, the CSSC will consider preparing an action plan and attach it to the carers entity in Unify, to enable previous concerns to be taken into account in the future, if the carer re-applies.

Implement the action plan for a carer

All parties involved in the development of the action plan are responsible for working in partnership to undertake the agreed actions within the agreed timeframe, and for monitoring and supporting the implementation of the action plan.

The CSSC responsible for the carer will assist in this process by:

• ensuring the placement agreement is current and includes up to date information about the child’s care and support needs and the agreed supports to be provided to the carer
• having regular contact with the child, the carer and the foster and kinship care service provider, to assist with actions required to meet the child’s needs and support the carer in providing the required standards of care.

Record information about the implementation of the action plan and related activities in the relevant care arrangement case in Unify. (Refer to Review a carer's action plan.)

If an issue or action requires further follow up, and was not identified in the original harm report action plan, record the details of the additional requirement in the care arrangement support case note in the relevant care arrangement case in Unify.

Develop an action plan with a non-family-based care service provider

The non-family-based care service provider is responsible for developing an action plan, in partnership with Child Safety to address issues identified during the assessment and include actions to ensure the child is safe from harm and that the care provided meets the standards of care. 

The non-family-based care service provider will take the lead and arrange for relevant parties to meet and determine specific actions required to address the concerns, the timeframes to be met and the review process. Relevant parties include:

• staff members of the care service identified by the non-family-based care service
• the CSO with case responsibility for the subject child
• the child (if age and developmentally appropriate)
• the child’s support person, if the child wishes
• the senior team leader or senior practitioner, if required
• a member of the regional team responsible for investment and partnerships, if required
• a member of the PSU, where relevant.

The senior team leader or CSSC manager will ensure that the action plan addresses the identified concerns regarding the child’s safety and the standards of care being provided. Specific actions may include:

• reviewing the ongoing appropriateness of the care arrangement to meet the child’s needs
• reviewing the placement agreement and the case plan to ensure there is a shared understanding of the child’s needs and agreement on how they should be met
• developing a positive behaviour support plan (Refer to Procedure 5 Develop a positive behaviour support plan.)
• providing care service staff members with additional training, supervision and support
• the service provider changing their policies, procedures or protocols if they are not clear or not aligned with legislation or relevant Child Safety policies
• strategies to address systemic issues that have contributed to the concerns
• arranging more frequent contact between Child Safety and the child, preferably in their care arrangement
• introducing a process to monitor the implementation of the action plan, the placement agreement and the child’s case plan.

After the action plan is developed:

• seek approval from the senior team leader or CSSC manager for the action plan
• attach a copy of the action plan to the harm report – assessment case in Unify or the standards of care case in Unify
• ensure a copy of the approved action plan is provided to each party, including the child if age and developmentally appropriate. 

Monitor the action plan

All participants involved in the development of the action plan are responsible for working in partnership to undertake the agreed actions within the timeframe and for monitoring and supporting the implementation of the action plan.

Assist in this process by:

• ensuring the placement agreement is current and includes up to date information about the child’s care and support needs to assist the care service’s ability to meet the child’s care and support needs
• having regular contact with the child and the non-family-based care service provider to support actions required to meet the child’s needs and ensure the care the child receives is consistent with required standards of care
• recording the details of actions and follow-up information in a care arrangement support case note created in the care service’s record in Unify.

Review the action plan

An action plan will be reviewed within 3 months at an action plan review meeting by the people responsible for implementing the plan. Child Safety will determine whether or not the issues of concern have been adequately addressed to ensure the care provided meets the  standards of care.

Review a carer's action plan

Child Safety is responsible for reviewing the action plan for a carer. Attach a copy of the minutes of the action plan review to a care arrangement support case note in the relevant care arrangement case and add any relevant subject children to the record.

If the concern remains unresolved after three months, or new concerns have been recorded during the 3 months of the action plan, the CSSC manager will consult the PSU director and the foster and kinship care service, where applicable, to determine the most suitable action to be taken.

Review an action plan for a non-family-based care service provider

The non-family-based care service provider will review the action plan within 3 months and provide the CSSC with a copy of the minutes of the review. Attach the minutes to a care arrangement support case note in the care service record and include all relevant subject children.

If the concerns remain unresolved after three months, or new concerns have been recorded during the three months of the action plan, the CSSC manager will consult with the PSU director, the Investment and Partnerships team and the service provider, to decide the most suitable action to be taken.

Review carer suitability

The CSSC manager may decide that a comprehensive review of the carer’s suitability is required:

• when a carer has caused harm to a child
• when another person has caused harm to a child, and the carer’s action or inaction contributed to the child experiencing harm
• when there are ongoing concerns about the carer’s capacity to meet and sustain safe care for the child and meet the standards of care
• following a standards of care review, if the outcome is ‘standards not met’ and a more detailed review of the carer’s suitability is required
• in response to a change in carer circumstances that may impact their capabilities as a carer.

To decide whether to review a carer’s suitability, the CSSC manager will consider:

• the expiry date of the carer’s current certificate of approval
• previous standards of care reviews or harm report assessments, regardless of the outcomes
• the seriousness of the concerns and the impact on the safety and wellbeing of the child
• recurrent patterns of behaviour
• the level of support and training provided to assist the carer meet the required standards of care and the extent to which these have positively contributed to improvements in the standard of care provided to the child.

Plan the review of carer suitability

Plan the review in partnership with the carer’s foster and kinship care service provider and the  senior practitioner. As part of the planning process, decide:

• who will advise the carers of the decision and reasons to review their suitability
• the information needed to inform the review, for example, current medical information about the carer’s health, the views of staff from other CSSC’s with a child in the care arrangement, observations of services that have provided support to or worked with the carer
• how the views of the child will be incorporated into the review
• any additional requirements to be considered by the reviewer.

Complete the review of carer suitability 

The reviewer will:

• review the issues and concerns identified in the most recent carer assessment report, including the rationale for approval
• review previous standards of care reviews, harm report assessments and action plans
• explore the carer’s understanding of the standards of care and how they demonstrate these in their daily care of the child
• assess the carer’s capacity to gain knowledge and skills required to provide care that meets the standards of care
• take into account the support and training that has been or is being provided, including whether the carer achieved the required competencies and if not, the factors that prevented this
• consider any factors that may be impacting on the standards of care provided to the child, for example sudden changes in the carer’s household, serious illness in the carer’s family or a change in supports available to the carer.

Prepare a report for the CSSC manager recommending the required action. The report will specifically identify the standards of care the carer is meeting and, if relevant, the standards of care not being met.

If the standards of care are not being met, the report will:

• explore the contributing factors
• consider the impact on the child
• propose actions required to improve the care so that the carer can provide care that meets the required standards of care
• consider the carer’s capacity and willingness to gain the knowledge and skills required to meet the standards of care.

If the review identifies that the carer is unable to ensure the safety of the child or to meet the standards of care, take appropriate action consistent with the findings of the review, such as: 

• consider whether it  is safe for the child should remain with the carer (Refer to Remove a child from a care arrangement.)
• provide targeted training and supports to the carer. (Refer to Provide support to the carer.)
• take other action relating to the carer. (Refer to Amend a carer's certificate of approval, Take action to suspend a carer's certificate of approval, or Cancel a carer’s certificate of  approval.) 

Respond to historical concerns

Child Safety will respond to information alleging that harm was experienced by a child in a care arrangement, or that the care provided to the child may not have met the legislated standards of care (Child Protection Act 1999, section 122), regardless of how long ago the care arrangement was in place.

The length of time that has elapsed since the matter was alleged to have occurred, may affect how the response is undertaken. The process will, in part, depend on whether the carer or the non-family-based care service staff member’s whereabouts can be ascertained, whether they agree to discuss their past care of the child, and the records available from that time.

Factors relating to the child and to the care arrangement will also influence the nature of the response, including:

Historical concerns relating to a child

If concerns are received by the RIS or CSAHSC, or a CSSC that does not hold case responsibility for the child, follow the process outlined in Record and communicate the concerns.

The CSSC who is responsible for the child in care will be responsible for considering the information, working in partnership with relevant partners and recommending to the delegated officer an appropriate response to the concerns. (Refer to Decide the response.)

Historical concerns relating to a child in care

 The response to historical concerns about a child who is currently in care is outlined in the table below.

Standards of care – historical

Recommend a standards of care review to the senior team leader if:

• the concerns indicate that the care provided to the child did not meet one or more of the legislated standards of care (as outlined in the Child Protection Act 1999, section 122)
  and
• there is no information that the child has experienced harm 
  and
• there is no information that has resulted in a suspicion that the child has been harmed
  and
• the concerns relate to a currently approved carer or a staff member currently employed by a non-family-based care service provider.

Complete the standards of care review to the extent that this is possible. (Refer to Speak with the child.) If relevant, document the reasonable efforts made to contact relevant parties to the standards of care review.

At the conclusion of the review, record an outcome (Refer to Decide the outcome of the standards of care review.) Follow other procedural requirements outlined in Complete a standards of care review.

If the concerns relate to a former approved carer who no longer holds a certificate of approval, or to a former staff member of a non-family-based care service provider who is no longer an employee of that service provider or any other non-family-based care service provider, do not record and complete a standards of care review. In these circumstances:

• Create an intake case in Unify and record the information as an intake enquiry.
• Ensure the staff member, adult household member or carer entity is added to the case. 
• Talk to the child about their experience and provide them with any necessary supports. 

Harm report - historical

Recommend a harm report to the CSSC manager if:

• the concerns indicate that the child experienced harm or it is suspected they experienced harm due to the actions or inactions of the carer, adult household member of an approved carer’s household or staff member of a non-family-based care service provider 
  and
• the concerns relate to a currently approved carer or a staff member currently employed by a non-family-based care service provider
  or
• the concerns relate to a former approved carer who no longer holds a certificate of approval, or to a former staff member of a non-family-based care service provider who is no longer an employee of that service provider or any other non-family-based care service provider.

Take other immediate actions as relevant:

• Consider if actions are required to address the safety and well-being needs of any child currently placed in the care arrangement.
• Advise the QPS if the information received about the harm to the child involves allegations indicating the commission of a criminal offence relating to the child, using the Police referral.
• Tell the Office of the Public Guardian of the alleged harm if the report is a mandatory report of harm in line with the Child Protection Act 1999, section 13F.

Complete the assessment to the extent that this is possible given the specific child factors and care arrangement factors (Refer to Assess a harm report.) At the conclusion of the assessment, record an outcome. (Refer to Decide the outcome of a harm report assessment.) Follow other procedural requirements, such as advising the child and carer or non-family-based care service provider of the outcome. (Refer to Advise parties of the harm report assessment outcome.)

For a current carer or staff member who continues to be employed in the family-based care arrangement, an action plan may be required, depending on the outcome of the assessment. (Refer to Develop an action plan.)

Historical concerns relating to a child no longer in care

The response to historical concerns about a child no longer in care is outlined in the table below.

A standard of care review or a harm report will be recorded when this response is approved by the senior team leader or CSSC manager, regardless of whether the child has since exited care and is no longer subject to ongoing intervention. (Refer to Decide the response.)

Contact the child’s parent or guardian and seek their agreement to discussing the concerns with the child and follow all other procedural requirements.

Historical concerns relating to an adult who was previously in care

A standard of care review or a harm report is not recorded if the subject of the historical concerns has attained adulthood (that is, they are 18 years of age or older.)

The response to concerns about an adult who was previously in care is outlined in the table below.

If the senior team leader or CSSC manager decides that recording a standards of care review or harm report would have been the appropriate response, had the historical concerns related to a child, the following actions are required create and intake case in Unify and record the relevant information in an intake enquiry. Ensure the carer, adult household member or staff member alleged responsible is added to the case.

Make all reasonable attempts to discuss and assess the concerns, subject to their consent, with:
the person who was formerly in care

• with the carer or former carer or adult household member
  or
• the non-family-based care service provider and the relevant staff member, if they are currently employed by the service provider.

Record the assessment findings in an intake enquiry in Unify.

If the information received about the harm to an adult (when they were a child in care) involves allegations that indicate the commission of a criminal offence:

• encourage the person to contact the QPS and help them to do so
• provide information about the services and assistance available through Victim Assist Queensland.

If information received about harm to an adult leads to a reasonable belief that a sexual offence was committed against the person when they were a child in care, by an adult, the matter must be reported to QPS, unless there is reasonable grounds to believe the matter has already been reported to QPS. Refer to the Criminal Code Act 1899, section 229BC, for further information about legal obligations to report sexual offending against a person when they were a child to the QPS.

Respond to specific matters

Receive concerns through the redress scheme

The RIS or CSAHSC may receive information from the Redress Request for Information Team, when a person who is alleged to have sexually abused a child in care may pose a current risk to a child in care, because they continue to be:

• a foster carer, kinship carer or provisionally approved carer
• a director, nominee or staff member of a licensed  care service provider
  or
• is otherwise identified to have regular contact with a child in care.

The RIS or CSAHCS will refer to the Child Safe reporting guidelines under the National Redress Scheme, and take the following actions as relevant:

• provide information to the QPS in line with the Child Protection Act, section 14(2) (Refer to Procedure 1 Report information to the Queensland Police Service.)
• document the information in line with requirements . (Refer to Respond to historical concerns.)

Respond to new concerns 

Standards of care review

Record new concerns received during a standards of care review, where there is no reasonable suspicion the child has experienced harm, in the new record of a standard of care consultation meeting form in Unify. The concerns will be responded to as part of the open standards of care review.

If concerns about harm are received during a standard of care review:

• immediately consult the senior team leader and senior practitioner
• tell the foster and kinship care service provider or non-family-based care service provider about the new concerns and seek additional information from them and their views about the response decision (Refer to Decide the response.)
• consult the CSO for the child, if case responsibility for a subject child is with another CSSC. (Refer to Involve the child safety officer with case responsibility for another child.)

Recommend an appropriate response to the concerns. The CSSC manager will decide whether a harm report is to be recorded. (Refer to Make the decision.)

Record the information in relation to the harm in the open standards of care review report in Unify and identify harm in the ‘outcome decision’ section of the report. A harm report will be automatically created in Unify. (Refer to Assess a harm report.)

Harm report assessment

When new concerns are received during a harm report assessment:

• record the new concerns in a new record of a standard of care consultation meeting form in the harm report – assessment case
• respond to the new concerns during the current harm report assessment, including addressing the concerns with the child and the carer or staff member.

Concerns received by the Child Safety After Hours Service Centre

• If the appropriate response to concerns received by the CSAHSC is a harm report, but no further action is required before the CSSC opens the next business day, the CSAHSC will:
• Record the information in the care arrangement intake case note in the care arrangement case, and include
• the notifier’s contact details
• whether a notifier from a government or non-government agency requested feedback 
• email the information to the CSSC responsible for the carer and the CSO with case responsibility for the subject child
• call the CSSC the next business day to confirm receipt of the email.

If the CSAHSC receives information that meets the threshold for a harm report and action is required before the relevant CSSC opens the next business day, the CSAHSC will:

• seek approval for the decision to record a harm report from the relevant CSSC manager
• take any necessary actions to ensure the child’s safety
• commence the harm report assessment within the 24-hour response timeframe
• create a standards of care case in Unify and record the actions taken
• email the information to the CSSC responsible for the carer and the subject child
• call the CSSC the next business day to confirm receipt of the email.

Respond to a request to obtain or amend Child Safety records

If a carer or non-family-based care service provider requests a copy of Child Safety information relating to a standards of care review or harm report assessment, provide the person with information about Right to Information. (Refer to Right to  information.)

If a carer or staff member asks for information in a departmental record to be changed, or if they ask to add information to a record associated with a standard of care review or harm report assessment:

• ask the carer or staff member to provide written advice of the amendment or additional information to be placed on file
• refer the carer or staff member to the Compliments and complaints  website for information about Child Safety’s complaint management process.