NQ kids ‘victims’ of system
NORTH Queensland foster kids are bounced around between placements more than any others in the state, according to newly released data.
A recent question on notice answered by Children’s Minister Leanne Linard said the average number of placements for children in out-ofhome care in the region was 3.4 during their entire time in the system.
The data, which is from December 21 last year, puts the region at the top of the state’s list with the highest placement turnover in Queensland, encompassing foster care, residential care, and kinship care.
Opposition shadow minister for rural and regional affairs, Dale Last, said these children were the victims of a system in disarray.
“How can you give these kids stability? How can you give them the support they need in a clear direction going forward?” Mr Last said.
“We have an unfolding crisis in child safety in North Queensland. There is no doubt about that.”
Earlier this year, the Townsville Bulletin revealed shocking inner workings of the child safety system, which exposed the department reunifying children with abusive parents, not providing enough support for foster carers, and brushing off complaints.
Ms Linard has since announced some changes to improve the system, but many are still calling for a review.
Far North Queensland is only just behind the region with 3.3 average placements for a child, followed by South West (3.1), Sunshine Coast and Central (3.0), South East (2.9) and Brisbane and Moreton Bay (2.7).
Across the state, there are more than 11,200 children in the system.
A spokeswoman from the Department of Children said a recently implemented team in North Queensland had the mission to improve care opportunities and decrease the number of placements.
“There are a number of reasons why a child may experience more than one placement, including being placed with an emergency carer when they first come into care, being moved to a carer who is trained to deal
with trauma they may have suffered, or being moved to be closer to family, culture and other support systems,” the spokeswoman said.
“To ensure a young person is safe and supported prior to a placement being changed, the department will work with the child or young person’s safety and support network to ensure those working with the child or young person provide all necessary support such as counselling.”
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REASONS WHY A CHILD MAY EXPERIENCE MORE THAN ONE PLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN