TROUBLED teens removed from their families could join paying pupils in the state's boarding schools under sweeping child safety reforms tipped for Queensland.

State Cabinet is believed to be close to signing off on the Government's new childcare regime prompted by the $9 million Carmody inquiry into child protection.

The inquiry, the most comprehensive undertaken in the state, has already prompted a radical re-alignment of traditional views on child safety.

But its most controversial recommendation - institutionalised care for troubled teens - has been greeted with strong opposition among child safety workers.

Industry umbrella group PeakCare, in a statewide survey, found many frontline workers troubled at the idea of creating another "Boys Town'' and locking up teens not guilty of any crime.

"History clearly shows that more harm is done to young people when in secure care, and this harm has a lifelong impact,'' says some feedback.

Another Carmody recommendation - that children aged below three be routinely considered for adoption if parents prove themselves incapable - also sparked powerful opposition amid fears of a 21st Century repeat of the Stolen Generation.

But other creative ideas on how to deal with up to 8000 kids in state care - more than the estimated 5500 adults in the state's prisons - are being well received.

The recommendation to use boarding schools as "an educational option for children in care'' has qualified industry support provided schools don't become an alternative to placement in foster homes or government care.

Child safety workers also want measures undertaken to ensure kids are not stigmatised and denigrated by other students as "welfare cases''.

Child Safety Minister Tracy Davis has refused to comment on any of the Carmody recommendations until the consultation process is complete.

But Ms Davis says Queensland child safety has already improved dramatically with a new early intervention program "Fostering Families", which is in keeping with Carmody recommendations, already achieving results.

"Given the number and the complexity of the recommendations, the Government will not be making any decisions hastily and our official response is in the process of being finalised," Ms Davis said.

"In the meantime, we are getting on with the job of building several of Justice Carmody's themes into the programs we are delivering, including the early intervention program, Fostering Families.''

Inquiry head Tim Carmody, QC, who reported back to government in July, instigated the boarding school proposal after becoming appalled at the cost of care.

Originally published as Troubled teens to be sent to ...