(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.]