Mater Child Protection Unit is a multidisciplinary assessment and management team for children who have suffered abuse or neglect or are at risk of abuse. The unit is coordinated by Annette Murphy, a clinical nurse consultant. There are three consultant paediatricians who offer 24 hour cover, seven days a week.

The unit offers consultation liason with GPs, allied health, Department of Families, police, Education Department and members of the community. The unit averages two inpatients per week including tertiary referrals from southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Approximately six children a week are seen as outpatients.

The consultant paediatrician is a core member of Mater Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Team with Police and Department of Families. Mater's SCAN team meets twice a week and covers Stones Corner, Mt Gravatt, Redland and Wynnum family services districts as well as tertiary referrals from other areas.

The Child Abuse Therapy Team is a multidisciplinary team consisting of the Clinical Nurse Consultant, Social Workers and Occupational Therapists. The team provides therapy for children who have suffered abuse and their families. The team's intervention is predominantly short term and does not have an investigative focus. The Child Protection Unit also employs a Clinical Psychologist who carries out psychometric and psychological assessments of children.

The Child Protection Unit organises multidisciplinary educational sessions for hospital and community professionals. Paediatric house officers and registrars receive training in risk assessment, developmental assessment and sexual abuse examinations, including the use of colposcopy. Trainees have the opportunity to be part of the SCAN process and gain knowledge of legal procedures with respect to child protection. Aspects of this work provide grounding for subsequent practice in general paediatrics, Community Child Health and Child Protection.

The unit actively encourages research. There is a fellowship position for advanced trainees in paediatrics which gives the opportunity to undertake research in the field of child abuse and neglect. This position is advertised annually.