What is the role of Child Protection Workers? What authority do they have?

Answer

Child Protection workers are authorised by the Children Youth and Families Act (2005) to investigate reports where there is a concern that a child or young person is at significant harm and the child's parent or caregiver is unwilling or unable to protect the child from harm. Child Protection workers work with families to ensure support is offered to minimise the risk of harm to the child. If a child's safety cannot be ensured within the family, the worker may take matters before the Children's Court. Workers have an ongoing responsibility to supervise children on legal orders granted by the Children's Court.