Information for parents and families
What is our role?
We understand that being separated from your child can be a difficult and emotional experience.
Our role is to:
- protect and promote the rights, interests, and wellbeing of children and young people in out-of-home care, youth detention, and other visitable locations
- visit your child to ensure they are safe, well, and that their rights are being respected
- make sure your child’s views and wishes are heard and that they have a say in decisions affecting their lives.
How do we support your child?
If your child is staying at a visitable site, they can request a visit from one of our community visitors at any time. They can also ask their carer, Child Safety officer, or a service provider to request a visit for them.
Our community visitors are independent of government, which means we don’t work for Child Safety, the courts, or the Department of Education. This independence allows us to advocate for your child’s best interests.
What if you’re worried about your child?
If you’re concerned about your child’s safety, wellbeing, or any aspect of their care or placement, you can:
- contact your Child Safety officer through your family’s service centre
- call the after-hours service centre on 1800 177 135 if it’s an emergency outside of working hours.
What are your rights as a parent?
As a parent involved in the child protection system in Queensland, you have rights under the Charter of Rights for Parents (PDF, 642KB). These include:
- maintaining life-long relationships with your children
- having a choice and a say in decisions that affect your family
- having time and space to respond to concerns about your parenting
- accessing support services to prevent Child Safety’s involvement with your family.
The Charter outlines eight sets of rights:
- recognition and equality
- information and freedom of expression
- legal representation and a fair hearing
- protection of family
- support
- culture – generally
- culture – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- privacy, confidentiality, and reputation.
For more details, you can read the full Charter of Rights for Parents (PDF, 642KB).
What about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families?
We recognise the importance of maintaining cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
Decisions about your child’s care are guided by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, which aims to:
- ensure your family fully participates in decisions about your child’s care and protection
- maintain your child’s connections to family, community, culture, and country
- prioritise placements that keep your child connected to their family and culture.
This principle ensures that you and your family group have a say in where and with whom your child lives and that you can maintain a relationship with them while they are in out-of-home care.
For more information and support, visit Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP). QATSICPP represents community-controlled child protection organisations across Queensland and advocates for the rights, safety, and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, and their families.
What resources and support are available?
We provide a range of resources, including forms, fact sheets, and other helpful materials, to support you and your family.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.