• About CPPAQ

    improving multi-disciplinary collaboration in the child protection sector

Child Protection Practitioners Association of Queensland (cppaq)

Since 2010, we have been working to improve professional collaboration and raise the profile of child protection law.

CPPAQ is committed to a child protection sector that

  • Honours the Charter of Rights for children in care
  • Recognises that the decisions made during litigation fundamentally affect the basic human right of a child or young person to live with his or her family
  • Acknowledges that families have primary responsibility for the upbringing, protection and development of their children
  • Acknowledges that the State has responsibility for the protection of children and young people where it is not possible for families to do so, and that this responsibility should be exercised in the least intrusive way possible in the circumstances
  • Ensures that decisions and actions are guided by the best interests of the child or young person involved
  • Gives effect to the rights of children, young people, their families and their carers to be kept informed of and participate in decisions that affect them, and to have their views considered in decision making
  • Is open, fair, and respects the rights of the people who are affected by decisions
  • Acknowledges and respects the importance of family and cultural ties, and gives proper consideration to placing children and young people with kin
  • Respects the distinct roles of the different professionals involved, while promoting collaboration and a focus on the best interests of the child or young person
  • Works to minimise the impact of systems abuse on children, young people and their families

Flying a kite is a study in patience, skill, teamwork and battling the elements. It can also be an uplifting and joyful experience. We chose this symbol for the Association because it is instantly recognisable to children and young people.

CPPAQ’s Priorities

For those of us working as professionals in child protection, it is a symbol of opportunity and a metaphor for good practice.

CPPAQ’s Priorities

  • Enhance collaborative professional relationships and practice in the child protection and legal system through networking and information sharing.
  • Support multidisciplinary professional development relevant to child protection law, policy and practice.
  • Encourage the involvement of highly skilled and specialist practitioners in child protection work.
  • Promote awareness and use of high quality research across all disciplines in the child protection system.
  • Lobby for the establishment and adequate funding of legal mechanisms to enable all children, young people and their families to have access to justice.
  • Advocate for systemic improvement in child protection law, policy and practice.

The Association is strongly supportive of the decision to publish decisions of the Childrens Court of Queensland on the Supreme Court of Queensland Library’s website: www.sclqld.org.au/qchc/