2. Report the matter to the QPS

Where it is believed that harm to a child may have involved the commission of a criminal offence relating to the child, the following actions must occur:

• immediately complete a Police referral form and send it to the QPS along with any relevant attachments via fax or email
• If the form is sent via fax- contact the QPS by telephone to ensure they have received the information and discuss any possible action required
• If the form is sent via email ensure a request for a ‘read receipt’ is included. Only contact the QPS by telephone if no ‘read receipt’ is received to ensure they have received the information and discuss any possible action required
• record the information in ICMS.

In cases where there is uncertainty about the need to report a matter to the QPS, report the matter to the QPS for their determination.

Where a medical practitioner confirms that a child has a sexually transmitted disease, the department will inform the QPS. Consideration will also be given to recording a notification on the child, where the information meets the threshold for recording a notification.

Information provided to the QPS under the Child Protection Act 1999, section 14(2) and (3) should be sent to the officer in charge of the nearest (in descending order):

• Child Safety and Sexual Crimes Group (for Brisbane metropolitan CSSCs)
• Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU)
• Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB)
• police station.

All matters reported to the QPS will need to be recorded in the appropriate ICMS form, either as a notification, child concern report, intake enquiry or case note.