A parliamentary question regarding the development and implementation of the High Risk Infant Policy following the 'Capel baby death' and Ombudsman's recommendations. The Minister provides details on the policy's origin, approval date, and tables relevant documents, while declining to table a specific safety plan due to privacy concerns.

AnsweredQoN 2491Legislative Council
Asked
18 September 2019
Portfolio
Child Protection

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the Minister’s comments on the "Capel baby death" reported by the ABC on 12 September 2019, and I ask: (a) was this tragic case the genesis for the development of the High Risk Infant Policy; (b) on what date was the High Risk Infant Policy approved; (c) will the Minister table a copy of the High Risk Infant Policy; and (d) will the Minister table a copy of a safety plan?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
23 October 2019
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Child Protection
Response time
9 days
(a) The Department of Communities (Communities) developed a policy position and practice guidance on assessing and responding to high-risk infants in response to the recommendations of the Ombudsman of Western Australia, following reviews of infant death cases between 2014 and 2018.
(b) In September 2018, Communities endorsed the entry regarding ‘High-risk infants’ to its Casework Practice Manual.
(c) Yes [Please see tabled paper no.] for Chapter 2.2.16 of the Casework Practice Manual.
(d) It is not appropriate to table a copy of a safety plan as they contain private and confidential client information, which may lead to the identification of the child and other individuals.
[Please see tabled paper no.] for information on safety planning Chapter 2.2.13 of the Casework Practice Manual.

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