CHILD PROTECTION ACT 1999 - SECT 16 Contact with child at immediate risk of harm

CHILD PROTECTION ACT 1999 - SECT 16

16 Contact with child at immediate risk of harm

(1) This section applies if—

(a) an authorised officer or police officer is investigating an allegation of harm, or risk of harm, to a child; and

(b) the officer has been denied contact with the child or can not reasonably gain entry to the place where the officer reasonably believes the child is; and

(c) the officer reasonably suspects the child—

(i) is at immediate risk of harm; or

(ii) is likely to leave or be taken from a place and suffer harm if the officer does not take immediate action.

(2) The officer may exercise the following powers—

(a) enter the place;

(b) search the place to find the child;

(c) remain in the place, and have contact with the child for as long as the officer reasonably considers necessary for investigating the allegation.

(3) The officer may exercise a power under subsection (2) with the help, and using the force, that is reasonable in the circumstances.

(4) At the first reasonable opportunity, the officer must record, in a register kept for the purpose by the department or the Queensland Police Service, full details about the exercise of the powers and other actions taken by the officer.