WA Parliamentary Question on Notice regarding allegations of child abuse in care during 2006-2007, including breakdowns by type of abuse and responsible investigating bodies.

AnsweredQoN 3074Legislative Assembly
Asked
26 February 2008
Portfolio
Child Protection

QuestionView source ↗

(2) With reference to (1) how many of the allegations referred to:
(a) sexual abuse;
(b) physical abuse;
(c) emotional abuse;
(d) neglect; and
(e) other?
(3) How many substantiated allegations were recorded in 2006–2007?
(4) With reference to (3) how many of the allegations referred to:
(i) sexual abuse;
(ii) physical abuse;
(iii) emotional abuse;
(iv) neglect; and
(v) other?
(5) Who is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse in care and what are their positions and qualifications?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
12 March 2008
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Child Protection
Response time
15 days
(1) 154
(2) (a) 36
(b) 76
(c) 30
(d) 12
(e) Not applicable
(3)  39
(4) (i) 7
(ii) 22
(iii) 8
(iv) 2
(v) Not applicable.
(5) The primary responsibility for investigating abuse in care matters sits with the relevant district office. Staff have tertiary qualifications in social work or relevant behavioural sciences. Investigations are normally conducted by two officers - a case manager and where possible a more senior staff member. Serious allegations may also receive a joint response with the WA Police and involve the Specialist Child Interview Unit. Investigations are quality assured in the district by the team leader or district manager. The Department's Duty of Care Unit also quality assures abuse in care notifications and investigations. This unit is also, on a pilot basis with two districts, undertaking direct investigations where a foster carer is involved and where the unit is in the best position to do the investigation. The unit is staffed by professional officers including three senior social work investigator positions.
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