The Department of Communities (Child Safety Services) is an organisation that investigates reports of harm or suspected child abuse against a child who is under the age of 18. The Departments role is to investigate any complaints made in respect of a child and to provide services to the child or the carer of the child.
A number of different avenues can be taken by the Department if it is deemed that the child is in need of protection. If the Department has reason to believe that the child is in immediate danger the child can be taken into the Department’s custody.
When a child is removed from a primary parent and kinship care is required, extended family may be asked to become involved in the child protection matter. Timely legal advice is required in any child protection matter should issues arise with things such as the kinship care of a child and the expectations of the Department.