CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ACT 2004 - SECT 21

CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ACT 2004 - SECT 21

21 .         Functions of CEO

        (1)         The functions of the CEO include —

            (a)         to consider and initiate, or assist in, the provision of social services to children, other individuals, families and communities; and

            (b)         to take, or cause to be taken, any action, not inconsistent with this Act, in respect of a child or a class or group of children that the CEO considers reasonably necessary for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the wellbeing of the child or children concerned; and

            (ca)         to control and manage the property of children who are the subject of a protection order (time-limited) or protection order (until 18); and

            (c)         to provide, and where appropriate, manage facilities (including land, buildings and other property) for purposes consistent with the objects of this Act; and

            (d)         to establish procedures for dealing with complaints about social services provided under this Act or otherwise relating to the administration of this Act; and

            (e)         to promote, encourage, conduct and publish research on matters relating to the objects of this Act; and

            (f)         to collect and publish, or assist in the collection and publication of, information and statistics on matters relating to the objects of this Act.

        (2)         In performing functions under this Act and in assisting the Minister in the administration of this Act, the CEO must have regard to —

            (a)         the need to promote the wellbeing of children, other individuals, families and communities;

            (b)         the need to encourage a collaborative approach between public authorities, non-government agencies and families —

                  (i)         in the provision of social services directed towards strengthening families and communities and maximising the wellbeing of children and other individuals; and

                  (ii)         in responding to child abuse and neglect;

            (c)         the need to promote diversity and increased participation in community life, giving particular consideration to the interests and aspirations of —

                  (i)         children and other young people; and

                  (ii)         Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders; and

                  (iii)         people from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds; and

                  (iv)         people with disabilities; and

                  (v)         women and men of all ages as distinct groups within society;

            (d)         the need to promote the development and strengthening of families and communities so that they have the capacity to achieve self-reliance and to provide for the care and wellbeing of their members.

        [Section 21 amended: No. 49 of 2010 s. 47.]