This report is based on information from three national child protection data collections - child protection notifications, investigations and substantiations; children on care and protection orders; and children in out-of-home care. Most of the data in this report cover the 2003-04 financial year, although data on trends in child protection are also included.

This report provides comprehensive information on child protection services provided by state and territory community service departments. It contains data for 2002-03, as well as trend data on child protection notifications, investigations and substantiations, children on care and protection orders and children in out-of-home care.