The Crime and Misconduct Commission has begun obtaining important information from key stakeholders about the state government’s progress in addressing child protection issues.
The CMC has written to key agencies asking them to comment about the extent to which the Commission’s recommendations from its 2004 report into Queensland’s foster care system have been implemented.
The Commission released a report in January 2004 after a public inquiry highlighted serious systemic failings in the foster care system.
The report made 110 recommendations designed to improve the lives of children at risk in Queensland, including the need for the CMC to review the government’s progress in implementing the report.
The CMC’s Director of Research and Prevention, Ms Susan Johnson, says it’s now time for the CMC to progress the review to the next stage.
‘Over the next few months we will consult with a wide range of key stakeholders, including government and non-government agencies, the Queensland Police Service, the Ombudsman and the Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian’ Ms Johnson said.
Earlier this year, the CMC received a progress report from the state government which will be carefully assessed along with information currently being obtained.
According to Ms Johnson, ‘this review is not a new inquiry into child protection services. Rather, it is an objective assessment about the extent to which the CMC’s recommendations have been implemented.’
For the purposes of the review, the CMC’s recommendations will be addressed under six key reform areas and key agencies have been asked to comment on these:
- The sustainability of child protection in Queensland
- Whole of government and community responses
- Improved practice standards and service delivery
- Information systems and recordkeeping
- External accountability and the ongoing monitoring and caring for children and young people
- Governance and resourcing
The CMC’s review will be presented to state parliament later this year.
ENDS
