There have been major developments in child protection services in Queensland since the 1999 Inquiry into abuse of children in institutional care (the 'Forde Inquiry'). This article discusses the nature of the changes that have occurred against the backdrop of a major debate in contemporary child protection research and practice: balancing forensic/legalistic and family support approaches to protecting children. Based upon an analysis of departmental annual reports, budget documents, policy statements, and child protection administrative data, it examines developments in policy directions, service provision, client trends and performance during the period. The article shows that significant investment has increased the quantity of services available, but policy and program developments are yet to show an impact upon service quality and outcome indicators for children and families.