Vast majority of kids in care feel safe: independent report

The vast majority of children and young people in care feel safe, an independent report into the child protection system has found.

Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves welcomed the independent report on the Views of Children and Young People in Foster Care released by the Commission of Children, Young People and Child Guardian today (6 September 2010) as it reinforced the progress being made in the Queensland child protection system.

"The biennial report by the Commission provided a snapshot of the views of children in care in Queensland and it was heartening to see that nearly all children in care felt safe in their current placement," he said.

"It means that almost all children (97.5 per cent) and young people (99 per cent) who had been subjected to abuse and neglect now feel comfortable and protected in the care facilities that have been arranged by our hard working Child Safety officers.

"As this is Child Protection Week, it is timely that this report provides feedback from children and young people about the effectiveness of the Bligh Government's vital services for more than 7,600 children and young people who are unable to live at home due to the risk of neglect or abuse.

"We are all working to protect the state's most vulnerable children and young people and the role of this report is to constructively identify areas where we are achieving and also areas that can be improved."

Mr Reeves said the Commission's report found:

97.5 per cent of children and 99 per cent of young people reported feeling safe in their current placement
99 per cent of young people reported their carer treats them well, and
Over 96 per cent of children and young people reported their carer listens to them all, or most of the time.
"The report also highlights the valuable role the Commission's community visitors play in working in partnership with our Child Safety Officers to ensure we are meeting the needs of children in care."

Mr Reeves said the report also highlighted areas which needed improvement.

"In particular, the survey found a high proportion of young people did not know if they have a child health passport (45.8 per cent) and 38.6 per cent of young people reporting they did not have one," he said.

"To improve the health and wellbeing needs of children in out-of-home care, the government's How's your Health strategy has been implemented recently.

"The strategy focuses on assisting carers obtain the information, support and services they need to meet the health and wellbeing and dental needs of children in out-of-home care.

"In addition, the Go Your Own Way strategy involves the distribution of a personalised satchel full of practical information and resources for every young person aged 17 years in out-of-home care. The kits aim to assist young people to live independently, seek appropriate assistance when required and manage their own affairs."

Mr Reeves said the Bligh Government remained focussed on continually improving the delivery of child protection practices.

"Every Queensland child deserves to grow up in a healthy, safe and happy environment," he said.

"In 2010-11 the Bligh Government is investing another record operating budget of $696 million to protect our children."

"This budget supports our frontline staff to focus on early intervention; to provide extra support to families whose children are at risk of being taken into care and in particular, we are aiming to address the rate of Indigenous children being taken into care."

Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Phil Reeves
06/09/2010

Permanent Link: Vast majority of kids in care feel safe: independent report
Publish Date: 06 Sep 10