The 2004 Mullighan Inquiry into Children in State Care recommended specific measures to protect runaway children, including wards of the state. These children often end up in exploitative relationships with adults who are not their guardians but who provide food, money, accommodation or drugs in exchange for sexual or other services from the child (including selling drugs for the adult).

Under section 99AAC of the Summary Procedure Act 1921, police can apply to the Youth Court for an order restraining a non-guardian adult who has been living with a child from living with or having any contact with the child. Before granting such an order the Court must be satisfied that the child’s contact or residence with the adult puts him or her at risk of sexual, physical, psychological or emotional abuse or neglect. If a child is at risk of offending against Part 5 of the Controlled Substances Act 1984 (i.e. offences relating to controlled drugs) risk will also be made out. In addition to a restraining order the Court may also make other orders providing for the temporary placement of the child.

The police, a child themselves, or an adult on behalf of a child, can alternatively apply to the Magistrates Court for an intervention order under the Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act 2009 if a child is at risk of being abused by someone. See Intervention Orders.