CHILD PROTECTION ACT 1999 - SECT 15 Child’s parents and long-term guardians to be told about allegation of harm and outcome of investigation

CHILD PROTECTION ACT 1999 - SECT 15

15 Child’s parents and long-term guardians to be told about allegation of harm and outcome of investigation

(1) This section applies if an authorised officer or police officer—

(a) investigates an allegation of harm or risk of harm to a child; or

(b) assesses a child’s need of protection because of an allegation of harm or risk of harm to the child.

(2) If the child does not have long-term guardians, the officer must—

(a) give details of the alleged harm or risk of harm to at least 1 of the child’s parents; and

(b) as soon as practicable after completing the investigation—

(i) tell at least 1 of the child’s parents about the outcome of the investigation; and

(ii) if asked by the parent, give the information about the outcome of the investigation to the parent in writing.

(3) If the child has long-term guardians, the officer must—

(a) take, or make a reasonable attempt to take, the actions stated in subsection (2) (a) and (b) , but only if the officer is satisfied it would be in the child’s best interests to do so, having regard to—

(i) the nature and extent of the child’s connection with the child’s parents; and

(ii) the evidence in support of the allegation of harm or risk of harm; and

(iii) any other relevant matter; and

(b) take the actions stated in subsection (2) (a) and (b) in relation to the long-term guardians.

(4) However, if the officer reasonably believes—

(a) someone may be charged with a criminal offence for the harm to the child and the officer’s compliance with subsection (2) or (3) may jeopardise an investigation into the offence; or

(b) compliance with subsection (2) or (3) may expose the child to harm;

the officer need only comply with the subsection to the extent the officer considers is reasonable and appropriate in the particular circumstances.

(5) If, under subsection (3) (a) , the officer does not take the actions stated in subsection (2) (a) and (b) but makes a reasonable attempt to take the actions, the officer must document full details about the actions taken by the officer in making the attempt.