What if a child needs to be moved to a safe place – section 21?
The Child Protection Act 1999, section 21, provides the authority for an authorised officer or police officer to move a child (under the age of 12) from a place, to be cared for until a parent or family member resumes care of the child. When there are no child protection concerns involved, the child is moved, the use of this power is recorded in a ‘safe place movement record’ in ICMS, and no further action is required. A child must not be moved to a watch-house. When exercising this authority, the officer must move the child, or make arrangements for another reliable person to move the child to a safe place, where they can remain until they return to the care of the parents or a family member. The officer may obtain help that is reasonable in the circumstances to move a child to a safe place. A safe place can be: • the home of a neighbour who knows the child and parents • the home of a relative or friend • the child’s family day care provider • a hospital • an approved foster placement
