CHILD PROTECTION ACT 1999 - SECT 13C Considerations when forming a reasonable suspicion about harm to a child

CHILD PROTECTION ACT 1999 - SECT 13C

13C Considerations when forming a reasonable suspicion about harm to a child

(1) This section applies to a person in forming a reasonable suspicion, for section 13A (1) or division 2 , about whether a child has suffered significant harm, is suffering significant harm, or is at unacceptable risk of suffering significant harm.

(2) The matters that the person may consider include—

(a) whether there are detrimental effects on the child’s body or the child’s psychological or emotional state—

(i) that are evident to the person; or

(ii) that the person considers are likely to become evident in the future; and

(b) in relation to any detrimental effects mentioned in paragraph (a) —

(i) their nature and severity; and

(ii) the likelihood that they will continue; and

(c) the child’s age.

(3) The person’s consideration may be informed by an observation of the child, other knowledge about the child or any other relevant knowledge, training or experience that the person may have.