HIGH COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND RESPONSE TO CHILD PROTECTION ISSUES

The Report on Government Services (ROGS) released today records a high level of community awareness and response to child protection issues in the ACT.

The Minister for Children and Young People, Katy Gallagher said there has been a steady increase in notifications made to ACT child protection services.

She said ROGS reports the number of notifications received in the ACT has risen from 8,064 in 2005-06 to 8,710 in 2006-07.

“Since the release of the Vardon and Murray-Mackie reviews there have been significant changes in the way Child Protection Services work with children and families in the ACT,” Ms Gallagher said.

“The introduction of the differential response model — including the option to provide families with assessment and support to improve the safety of the child and improve parenting skills — has resulted in a reduction in the number of notifications proceeding to substantiation. This model is similar to the model in place in Victoria.

“The assessment and support option can include short-term or ongoing work with the child or young person and their family to ensure appropriate supports are in place, as well as referral to other support services.

“The number of substantiated notifications has reduced significantly, from 1,277 in 2005-06 to 852 in 2006-07.

“In this context it is important to note that substantiation occurs only if there was, or is likely to be, significant harm and no-one with parental responsibility is willing and able to protect the child or young person. This is a change from the previous practice.

“It should be noted that recording an investigation as not substantiated does not exclude ongoing work with the child or young person and their family.”

Ms Gallagher said the numbers of children in out of home care continues to rise, but at a slower rate than previous years. She said this, in part, reflects the fact that children are staying longer in care, and this trend is consistent with other jurisdictions.

“The number of children in out of home care at 30 June 2007 was 399. This figure represents 5.2 children in out of home care per 1000 children in the ACT, which is under the national rate of 5.8 children in out of home care per 1000 children in the population.

“Where children require a placement outside the family home, the majority of children (88%) are placed in a home-based environment (foster or kinship care).

“ROGS reports that 38% of all children requiring out of home care were with relatives (kinship care) and 48% of indigenous children were living in kinship care at 30 June 2007.”