This report investigates Queensland Health's current practices and procedures with regard to its role in identifying and responding to child protection concerns. It is the third report from the Queensland Ombudsman’s investigation into the case of two young people with disability who experienced violence, abuse and neglect during their childhood and early adolescence. 

The report found that Queensland Health needs to provide staff with clear and consistent information about how to identify and respond to child protection concerns. In particular, staff need clearer guidance on concepts like cumulative harm, parent behaviour and neglect of medical care, and resources to inform decision-making. Queensland Health needs to:

• recognise the importance of consulting with expert staff within hospital and health services’ child protection units
• ensure staff can recognise that in some circumstances, missed medical appointments may be a sign of potential neglect
• ensure hospital and health services have effective information management systems that support service delivery, including for responding to child protection concerns.