Child Protection Act 1999 (1999 - )

The core principles of the Act in relation to child protection are:

• the welfare and best interests of the child are paramount
• the preferred way of ensuring a child's welfare is through support of the child's family
• intervention is not to exceed the level necessary to protect the child
• family participation in planning and decision making for children
• consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agencies in decision-making regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
• children and families have a right to information
• services are to be culturally appropriate
• coordination, consultation and collaboration with families, other professionals, agencies and the community
• accountability of the department.