Ms CARTER - 2003-10-07
On 7 September, you signed a pledge – and I have an example - to take a stand to help stop child abuse. A week later, you refuted claims by Territory Child Protection workers that there were cases of child abuse in the Territory that have remained unallocated for some months, and denied the existence of a wait list. Do you still stand by your claim that all allegations of child abuse are assessed and actioned within 24 hours of notification?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, this morning in this House, I outlined what we are doing in relation to child protection. Nobody on this side of the House has suggested, at any time, that our child protection system is perfect. In fact, that is exactly why we have a major review of the Community Welfare Act, and also of Child Protection Services. That is also why we put $2.4m into this area since coming to government - obviously a major commitment by this government as child protection is a priority.
The accusation by the opposition that a waiting list exists for child protection is misleading. All allegations of abuse or neglect are assessed by Family and Children’s Services within 24 hours - assessed. If children are at immediate risk, an urgent response occurs. The department endeavours to complete child protection investigations within 28 days. Sometimes, there are important reasons to keep an investigation open for longer than this. The increasing complexity of cases often requires Child Protection staff to coordinate investigations with other agencies. In these cases, investigations may remain open until the outcomes of external investigations, including criminal proceedings, are known. If it takes longer than 28 days to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the safety of a child, then that is what should actually happen.
Recent media comments may be causing anxiety for members of the public. I want to assure parliament that child protection is absolutely a fundamental priority to this government and my department.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, this morning in this House, I outlined what we are doing in relation to child protection. Nobody on this side of the House has suggested, at any time, that our child protection system is perfect. In fact, that is exactly why we have a major review of the Community Welfare Act, and also of Child Protection Services. That is also why we put $2.4m into this area since coming to government - obviously a major commitment by this government as child protection is a priority.
The accusation by the opposition that a waiting list exists for child protection is misleading. All allegations of abuse or neglect are assessed by Family and Children’s Services within 24 hours - assessed. If children are at immediate risk, an urgent response occurs. The department endeavours to complete child protection investigations within 28 days. Sometimes, there are important reasons to keep an investigation open for longer than this. The increasing complexity of cases often requires Child Protection staff to coordinate investigations with other agencies. In these cases, investigations may remain open until the outcomes of external investigations, including criminal proceedings, are known. If it takes longer than 28 days to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the safety of a child, then that is what should actually happen.
Recent media comments may be causing anxiety for members of the public. I want to assure parliament that child protection is absolutely a fundamental priority to this government and my department.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016