Paediatrics - Queensland Health - Queensland Government

Abuse and neglect
5. Follow up
Staff may be requested to provide relevant information to the Department
of Communities Child Safety Services or other prescribed entities. If staff are
unsure regarding information sharing request consultation with district medicolegal
services is recommended
Document in the client record accurate, considered, objective and up to date
account of concerns, consultations, contacts, actions and plans related to
presentation as these may be requested
Ensure all information relating to the child, including immunisation status, is
current
6. Referral / consultation
Consult MO. Child may need evacuation
Refer parent / carer to Social Worker, non government agencies or other support
services depending on availability or Parentline 1300 301300
When considering management of children who have been abused or at risk of abuse, it
can be helpful to consider the following factors. Note: it is not the role of the MO to make a
full assessment of risk and protective factors. If abuse is suspected it must be reported to
Department of Communities - Child Safety Services, to investigate further
Risk factors and protective factors associated with child abuse and neglect
• Protective indicators are safety factors that may reduce the likelihood of harm or risk
of harm to a child. They are characteristics that prevent or balance risk-producing
conditions [1]
• The presence of risk factors does not confirm abuse or neglect. They are common
features of families, parents or caregivers, children and environments that research and
clinical experience have shown to increase the likelihood of child abuse and neglect [1]
It is important to remember factors need to be considered in the context of a child’s personal
history. For more detail See Protecting Queensland Children: Policy Statement and
Guidelines on the management of child abuse and neglect in children and young people
0 - 18 years www.health.qld.gov.au/csu/policy.htm [1]
Resources
• Queensland Health, Child Health and Safety Unit
qheps.health.qld.gov.au/csu/home.htm
• Department of Communities Child Safety Services
www.childsafety.qld.gov.au
• Commission for Children, Young People and Child Guardian
www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/index.aspx
• NSW Department of Community Services
www.community.nsw.gov.au/preventingchildabuseandneglect/
reportingsuspectedabuseorneglect.html
132 111 (24 hours)
• Victorial Office For Children
www.education.vic.gov.au/officeforchildren
131 278 (24 hrs)
References
1. Queensland Health. Protecting Queensland Children: Policy Statement and Guidelines on the
management of child abuse and neglect in children and young people (0-18 years). 2008 [cited 2011
January]; Available from: www.health.qld.gov.au/csu/policy.htm.
2. Queensland Government. What is child abuse? 2008 [cited 2011 January ]; Available from: www.
childsafety.qld.gov.au/child-abuse/index.html
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