In April 2025, the department introduced the Enhanced Intake and Assessment Approach (EIAA) to improve how we respond to and support families and children at intake and during assessments. The EIAA aims to provide families with earlier assessment of need and opportunities to access targeted support to increase safety and resolve concerns.
This page provides an overview of the new approach and explains how the department will measure its performance under the EIAA.
The introduction of the EIAA has resulted in changes to reporting and performance measures to align with the new response pathways and practice. As a result, some measures are no longer directly comparable to previous data, leading to time series breaks. The table below provides more details on these changes.
Overview of the Enhanced Intake and Assessment Approach (EIAA)
The Enhanced Intake and Assessment Approach (EIAA) introduces a modern, flexible and proportionate way of working with families. The new approach focuses on providing earlier assessment of family needs and offering targeted support to address identified concerns. For children at significant risk of harm, investigative approaches continue to be used.
Regional Intake Services (RIS) remain the primary point of contact for receiving child protection concerns from community members, service providers, government and non-government agencies. Two additional response pathways at intake - Active Support Response and Safety and Support Response - enable RIS to offer earlier help and support to families and facilitate access to support services to address the family’s needs.
Active Support Response
An Active Support Response is an early intervention for families where concerns do not meet the threshold for a notification, but the family could benefit from a targeted referral for support to a secondary or other support service.
How it works:
- RIS contacts parents to discuss the concerns and offer help and support.
- With the parents’ consent, RIS facilitates targeted referrals for the family to appropriate support services.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are connected with culturally appropriate services.
Safety and Support Response
A Safety and Support Response is a sub-set of the Standard Response (see below). It is a response to a notification that can be considered when the criteria for a Standard Response are met and there are identified strengths in the family, the child is visible within their community such as at school and it is considered appropriate for an Assessment Service Connect (ASC) provider to engage with the family without Child Safety assessing the child’s immediate safety.
How it works:
- RIS confirms that an ASC provider has the capacity to accept a referral.
- RIS discusses the concerns with the family and seeks their consent to facilitate a referral to the ASC provider.
- The ASC provider engages with the family independently of Child Safety.
- The ASC provider visits the family at home, assesses the family’s needs and connects them with appropriate and targeted supports to address identified risk factors.
Summary of previous and new measures
The table below outlines the changes to performance measures under the EIAA, including which measures have been continued, superseded, or replaced.
| Previous measure | Status Previous measure | New measure | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distinct children subject to an intake | Continues | Distinct children subject to an intake | Counts each child involved in an intake during the period. Each child is counted only once, regardless of the number of intakes they are part of. There is no time series break for this measure. |
| Intakes received | Superseded | Household intakes |
Previously, each child in a household was counted individually for every intake. For example, if an intake involved 4 children, it was counted as 4 intakes.
Now, one intake is counted per household, regardless of the number of children involved. This provides a clearer picture of the number of concerns received. |
| Distinct children subject to a child concern report | Continues | Distinct children subject to a child concern report | Counts each child in an intake that was screened as a child concern report during the period. Each child is counted only once, regardless of the number of child concern reports they are part of. There is no time series break for this measure. |
| Child concern reports received | Superseded | Household intakes screened as child concern report |
Previously, each child in a household was counted individually for every child concern report.
Now, one child concern report is counted per household, regardless of the number of children involved. This provides a more accurate reflection of the number of concerns received. |
| Distinct children subject to a notification | Continues | Distinct children subject to a notification | Counts each child involved in an intake screened as a notification during the period. Each child is counted only once, regardless of the number of notifications they are part of. There is no time series break for this measure. |
| Notifications received | Superseded | Household intakes screened as notifications |
Previously, each child in a household was counted individually for every notification.
Now, one notification is counted per household, regardless of the number of children involved. This provides a clearer picture of the volume of demand received. |
HOUSEHOLD INTAKES
Household intakes by intake type
| Intake type | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Jun 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Sep 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Dec 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household intakes | 21,475 | 47,456 | 73,693 | 102,103 |
| Household intakes screened as a child concern report | 14,647 | 33,232 | 51,548 | 71,228 |
| Household intakes screened as a notification | 6,828 | 14,224 | 22,145 | 30,875 |
Household intakes by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Jun 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Sep 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Dec 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household intakes | 21,475 | 47,456 | 73,693 | 102,103 |
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander(a) | 6,607 | 14,776 | 23,173 | 32,591 |
| Non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander(b) | 14,868 | 32,680 | 50,520 | 69,512 |
Household intakes by intake source
| Intake source | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Jun 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Sep 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Dec 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household intakes | 21,475 | 47,456 | 73,693 | 102,103 |
| Subject child | 42 | 114 | 191 | 259 |
| Parent/guardian | 2,179 | 4,940 | 7,633 | 10,878 |
| Sibling | 21 | 39 | 58 | 77 |
| Other relative | 1,039 | 2,281 | 3,603 | 5,241 |
| Friend/neighbour | 694 | 1,535 | 2,443 | 3,658 |
| Health sources | 3,106 | 6,661 | 10,456 | 14,431 |
| School personnel | 6,510 | 13,989 | 21,259 | 28,994 |
| Early childhood personnel(c) | 63 | 246 | 364 | 608 |
| Police | 2,331 | 5,180 | 8,561 | 11,894 |
| Departmental officer | 331 | 784 | 1,177 | 1,581 |
| Non-government organisation | 2,611 | 6,000 | 9,369 | 13,045 |
| Anonymous | 403 | 907 | 1,384 | 1,905 |
| Other(c) | 1,986 | 4,454 | 6,638 | 9,101 |
| Not stated | 159 | 326 | 557 | 431 |
Notes:
1. Includes all household intake data recorded since the introduction of Unify (which can include household intakes received prior to April 14 but recorded in the new system) and will be cumulative each quarter until a full 12 months of data is available.
2. A household intake count is not comparable to previous intake counts. This new measure counts each household intake once regardless of the number of subject children it includes. If a household has received multiple intakes in a reference period for the same or new concerns each household intake is counted separately.
3. The department transitioned to a new client management system (Unify) in April 2025 which requires rebuilding datasets for reporting purposes. Potential data integrity issues may emerge as Unify matures and interrelated datasets are rebuilt. As a result, data for the period June 2025 onwards may be subject to correction to maintain accuracy and transparency.
(a) Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander: Includes households where at least one subject child is identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
(b) Non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander: Includes households where all subject children are identified as non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children or whose Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status is unknown or not stated.
(c) With the introduction of Unify the early childhood personnel source is only available for recording in Unify for mandatory reporters. Non-mandatory early childhood personnel reports are included in ‘Other’.
HOUSEHOLD INTAKES SCREENED AS A CHILD CONCERN REPORT
Household intakes screened as a child concern report by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Jun 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Sep 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Dec 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household intakes screened as a child concern report | 14,647 | 33,232 | 51,548 | 71,228 |
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander(a) | 4,209 | 9,707 | 15,279 | 21,439 |
| Non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander(b) | 10,438 | 23,525 | 36,269 | 49,789 |
Household intakes screened as a child concern report by intake source
| Intake source | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Jun 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Sep 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Dec 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household intakes screened as a child concern report | 14,647 | 33,232 | 51,548 | 71,228 |
| Subject child | 25 | 58 | 102 | 141 |
| Parent/guardian | 1,892 | 4,335 | 6,669 | 9,463 |
| Sibling | 11 | 24 | 40 | 52 |
| Other relative | 733 | 1,602 | 2,535 | 3,679 |
| Friend/neighbour | 483 | 1,068 | 1,708 | 2,526 |
| Health sources | 1,882 | 4,119 | 6,504 | 8,953 |
| School personnel | 4,622 | 10,265 | 15,609 | 21,302 |
| Early childhood personnel(c) | 40 | 175 | 261 | 433 |
| Police | 1,203 | 2,796 | 4,640 | 6,448 |
| Departmental officer | 182 | 430 | 653 | 880 |
| Non-government organisation | 1,709 | 4,100 | 6,445 | 8,958 |
| Anonymous | 298 | 680 | 1,044 | 1,411 |
| Other(c) | 1,467 | 3,347 | 4,934 | 6,673 |
| Not stated | 100 | 233 | 404 | 309 |
Notes:
1. Includes all household intakes screened and recorded as a child concern report since the introduction of Unify (which can include household intakes received prior to April 14 but recorded in the new system) and will be cumulative each quarter until a full 12 months of data is available.
2. The household intake screened as a child concern report count is not comparable to previous child concern report counts. This new measure counts each household intake screened as a child concern report once regardless of the number of subject children it includes. If a household has received multiple intakes in a reference period for the same or new concerns each household intake is counted separately.
3. The department transitioned to a new client management system (Unify) in April 2025 which requires rebuilding datasets for reporting purposes. Potential data integrity issues may emerge as Unify matures and interrelated datasets are rebuilt. As a result, data for the period June 2025 onwards may be subject to correction to maintain accuracy and transparency.
(a) Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander: Includes households where at least one subject child is identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
(b) Non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander: Includes households where all subject children are identified as non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children or whose Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status is unknown or not stated.
(c) With the introduction of Unify the early childhood personnel source is only available for recording in Unify for mandatory reporters. Non-mandatory early childhood personnel reports are included in ‘Other’.
HOUSEHOLD INTAKES SCREENED IN AS A NOTIFICATION
Household intakes screened as a notification by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Jun 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Sep 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Dec 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household intakes screened as a notification | 6,828 | 14,224 | 22,145 | 30,875 |
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander(a) | 2,398 | 5,069 | 7,894 | 11,152 |
| Non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander(b) | 4,430 | 9,155 | 14,251 | 19,723 |
Household intakes screened as a notification by intake source
| Intake source | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Jun 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Sep 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Dec 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household intakes screened as a notification | 6,828 | 14,224 | 22,145 | 30,875 |
| Subject child | 17 | 56 | 89 | 118 |
| Parent/guardian | 287 | 605 | 964 | 1,415 |
| Sibling | 10 | 15 | 18 | 25 |
| Other relative | 306 | 679 | 1,068 | 1,562 |
| Friend/neighbour | 211 | 467 | 735 | 1,132 |
| Health sources | 1,224 | 2,542 | 3,952 | 5,478 |
| School personnel | 1,888 | 3,724 | 5,650 | 7,692 |
| Early childhood personnel(e) | 23 | 71 | 103 | 175 |
| Police | 1,128 | 2,384 | 3,921 | 5,446 |
| Departmental officer | 149 | 354 | 524 | 701 |
| Non-government organisation | 902 | 1,900 | 2,924 | 4,087 |
| Anonymous | 105 | 227 | 340 | 494 |
| Other(e) | 519 | 1,107 | 1,704 | 2,428 |
| Not stated | 59 | 93 | 153 | 122 |
Household intakes screened as a notification by response decision(c)(d)
| Notification response decision | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Jun 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 30 Sep 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Dec 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 to 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household intakes screened as a notification | 6,828 | 14,224 | 22,145 | 30,875 |
| Priority response | 4,130 | 8,937 | 13,751 | 19,377 |
| Standard response | 2,694 | 5,277 | 8,365 | 11,417 |
| Safety and support response | 4 | 10 | 29 | 81 |
Notes:
1. Includes all household intakes screened and recorded as a notification since the introduction of Unify (which can include household intakes received prior to April 14 but recorded in the new system) and will be cumulative each quarter until a full 12 months of data is available.
2. The household intake screened as a notification count is not comparable to previous notification counts. This new measure counts each household intake screened as a notification once regardless of the number of subject children it includes. If a household has received multiple intakes in a reference period for the same or new concerns each household intake is counted separately.
3. The department transitioned to a new client management system (Unify) in April 2025 which requires rebuilding datasets for reporting purposes. Potential data integrity issues may emerge as Unify matures and interrelated datasets are rebuilt. As a result, data for the period June 2025 onwards may be subject to correction to maintain accuracy and transparency.
(a) Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander: Includes households where at least one subject child is identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
(b) Non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander: Includes households where all subject children are identified as non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children or whose Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status is unknown or not stated.
(c) With the introduction of the Enhanced Intake and Assessment Approach household intakes screened as a notification may be responded to via a priority response (assesses a child or an unborn child’s need for protection), standard response (assesses a child’s immediate safety and the family’s support needs) or a safety and support response (involves referring the family to an early intervention service).
(d) Includes the approved intake response decision. Note these decisions can change during the assessment e.g. a standard response can be escalated to a priority response.
(e) With the introduction of Unify the early childhood personnel source is only available for recording in Unify for mandatory reporters. Non-mandatory early childhood personnel reports are included in ‘Other’.
DISTINCT CHILDREN SUBJECT TO AN INTAKE
Distinct children subject to an intake by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status | Year ending 30 Jun 2025 | Year ending 30 Sep 2025 | Year ending 31 Dec 2025 | Year ending 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distinct children subject to an intake | 91,451 | 93,930 | 95,638 | 99,979 |
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander | 23,708 | 24,351 | 24,954 | 26,451 |
| Non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander(a) | 67,743 | 69,579 | 70,684 | 73,528 |
Distinct children subject to an intake by age grouping
| Age grouping | Year ending 30 Jun 2025 | Year ending 30 Sep 2025 | Year ending 31 Dec 2025 | Year ending 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distinct children subject to an intake | 91,451 | 93,930 | 95,638 | 99,979 |
| Unborn | 2,526 | 2,578 | 2,693 | 2,873 |
| 0 to 4 | 20,414 | 20,808 | 20,968 | 21,755 |
| 5 to 9 | 26,772 | 27,563 | 28,021 | 28,989 |
| 10 to 14 | 28,224 | 28,926 | 29,523 | 31,114 |
| 15 to 17 | 13,308 | 13,784 | 14,073 | 14,787 |
| Unknown | 207 | 271 | 360 | 461 |
Rate of children subject to an intake by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status | Year ending 30 Jun 2021 | Year ending 30 Jun 2022 | Year ending 30 Jun 2023 | Year ending 30 Jun 2024 | Year ending 30 Jun 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate per 1,000 children (0-17 years of age)(b) | 65.7 | 65.5 | 68.8 | 69.9 | 72.6 |
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander | 169.8 | 172.9 | 187.5 | 193.0 | 196.4 |
| Non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander(a) | 55.1 | 54.5 | 56.6 | 57.2 | 59.7 |
Notes:
1.Data is for the year ending the reference date (12 months of data). Includes intakes received during the reference period that were recorded in either the previous client management system ICMS or the new Unify system.
2.If a child was subject to both an approved notification and an approved child concern report they are counted only once according to their first intake type.
3.The department transitioned to a new client management system (Unify) in April 2025 which requires rebuilding datasets for reporting purposes. Potential data integrity issues may emerge as Unify matures and interrelated datasets are rebuilt. As a result, data for the period June 2025 onwards may be subject to correction to maintain accuracy and transparency.
(a)Includes non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and children whose Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status is unknown or not stated.
(b)Rate per 1,000 children refers to the number of children subject to an intake (excluding unborn children) divided by the population of children and young people aged 0-17 years of age. Population data is sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and is based on estimated resident population for Queenslanders aged 0-17 years, as at 30 June of the previous year.
DISTINCT CHILDREN SUBJECT TO A CHILD CONCERN REPORT
Distinct children subject to a child concern report by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status | Year ending 30 Jun 2025 | Year ending 30 Sep2025 | Year ending 31 Dec 2025 | Year ending 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distinct children subject to a child concern report | 69,504 | 74,372 | 77,828 | 82,790 |
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander | 17,466 | 18,822 | 20,118 | 21,807 |
| Non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander(a) | 52,038 | 55,550 | 57,710 | 60,983 |
Distinct children subject to a child concern report by age grouping
| Age grouping | Year ending 30 Jun 2025 | Year ending 30 Sep 2025 | Year ending 31 Dec 2025 | Year ending 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distinct children subject to a child concern report | 69,504 | 74,372 | 77,828 | 82,790 |
| Unborn | 1,138 | 1,308 | 1,461 | 1,669 |
| 0 to 4 | 14,519 | 15,632 | 16,320 | 17,381 |
| 5 to 9 | 20,775 | 22,212 | 23,140 | 24,307 |
| 10 to 14 | 22,249 | 23,571 | 24,679 | 26,381 |
| 15 to 17 | 10,664 | 11,427 | 11,936 | 12,680 |
| Unknown | 159 | 222 | 292 | 372 |
Notes:
1.Data is for the year ending the reference date (12 months of data). Includes intakes received that were screened in as a child concern report during the reference period that were recorded in either the previous client management system ICMS or the new Unify system.
2.If a child was subject to more than one approved child concern report they are counted only once according to their first approved child concern report.
3.The department transitioned to a new client management system (Unify) in April 2025 which requires rebuilding datasets for reporting purposes. Potential data integrity issues may emerge as Unify matures and interrelated datasets are rebuilt. As a result, data for the period June 2025 onwards may be subject to correction to maintain accuracy and transparency.
(a)Includes non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and children whose Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status is unknown or not stated.
DISTINCT CHILDREN SUBJECT TO A NOTIFICATION
Distinct children subject to a notification by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status | Year ending 30 Jun 2025 | Year ending 30 Sep 2025 | Year ending 31 Dec 2025 | Year ending 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distinct children subject to a notification | 40,115 | 40,561 | 42,091 | 45,039 |
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander | 12,519 | 12,822 | 13,331 | 14,384 |
| Non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander(a) | 27,596 | 27,739 | 28,760 | 30,655 |
Distinct children subject to a notification by age grouping
| Age grouping | Year ending 30 Jun 2025 | Year ending 30 Sep 2025 | Year ending 31 Dec 2025 | Year ending 31 Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distinct children subject to notification | 40,115 | 40,561 | 42,091 | 45,039 |
| Unborn | 1,701 | 1,726 | 1,842 | 1,935 |
| 0 to 4 | 10,299 | 10,246 | 10,424 | 10,985 |
| 5 to 9 | 11,499 | 11,647 | 12,059 | 12,811 |
| 10 to 14 | 11,613 | 11,805 | 12,344 | 13,362 |
| 15 to 17 | 4,941 | 5,067 | 5,316 | 5,798 |
| Unknown | 62 | 70 | 106 | 148 |
Rate of children subject to a notification by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status | Year ending 30 Jun 2021 | Year ending 30 Jun 2022 | Year ending 30 Jun 2023 | Year ending 30 Jun 2024 | Year ending 30 Jun 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate per 1,000 children (0-17 years of age)(b) | 20.1 | 22.9 | 24.2 | 28.1 | 31.3 |
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander | 69.8 | 77.6 | 81.9 | 91.4 | 102.2 |
| Non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander(a) | 15.1 | 17.3 | 18.3 | 21.6 | 24.0 |
Notes:
1.Data is for the year ending the reference date (12 months of data). Includes intakes received that were screened in as a notification during the reference period that were recorded in either the previous client management system ICMS or the new Unify system.
2.If a child was subject to more than one approved notification they are counted only once according to their first approved notification.
3.The department transitioned to a new client management system (Unify) in April 2025 which requires rebuilding datasets for reporting purposes. Potential data integrity issues may emerge as Unify matures and interrelated datasets are rebuilt. As a result, data for the period June 2025 onwards may be subject to correction to maintain accuracy and transparency.
(a)Includes non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and children whose Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status is unknown or not stated.
(b)Rate per 1,000 children refers to the number of children subject to a notification (excluding unborn children) divided by the population of children and young people aged 0-17 years of age. Population data is sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and is based on estimated resident population for Queenslanders aged 0-17 years, as at 30 June of the previous year.