NSW Government inquiry into child protection services

Following several high profile deaths the NSW government has established a special commission of inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW. The Hon James Wood AO QC will be leading this inquiry and scrutinising systems for reporting child abuse, case management, staff competency, inter-agency cooperation and out-of-home care. This report will be finalised on or before 30 June 2008. Barnardos Australia welcomes this inquiry and our CEO, Louise Voigt, has already been called to give evidence.

Barnardos is a well-respected agency in the child welfare industry and therefore we are preparing a major submission using our experience and knowledge to suggest significant changes to the current arrangements.

Barnardos believes that the law should be changed to allow for rapid identification of children who are likely to experience significant harm. If change cannot occur within a meaningful timeframe for them they should be removed and a permanent “forever” family sought for them through foster care or adoption.

On the other hand,  the great bulk of the current reports to DoCS are children “in need” from families suffering severe disadvantage and family problems such as poverty, mental ill health, social isolation and domestic violence.  Barnardos experience demonstrates that significant and beneficial change can occur for these children in need and their families when appropriate services are provided to address their problems, therefore reducing the probability of escalation of their difficulties and reducing trauma.

Barnardos is providing material to the commission to exhibit those programs we know work for children and we expect to welcome the inquiry in our South Coast Childrens Family Centre at Warrawong in Woollongong.

Welfare Expenditure

Barnardos made exciting headway for children during 2006/2007. Supported by the state governments and generous community donors we enhanced our services to children “in need” as well as finding “forever families” for children who had been permanently removed from their families. Many other organisations Australia wide have benefited from Barnardos expertise and case management materials developed through research and quality practice.

“Australia’s Children thank YOU”

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