❓ Hon Nick Goiran questions the disparity in residential care placement capacity between the Department of Communities and Community Service Organisations, particularly regarding children with harmful sexual behaviours. The Minister responds by explaining the complexities of placement decisions and funding.
AnsweredQoN 650Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the
Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Independent Review Into The
Department Of Communities’ Policies And Practices Into The Placement Of
Children With Harmful Sexual Behaviours In Residential Care Settings , tabled on
15 September 2021, noting on page 30-32 it sets out that for residential care
placements, the Department has a placement capacity of 117, with 91 residents,
whereas funded Community Service Organisations are overflowing, having a
placement capacity of 225 with 284 residents, and I ask: (a) why is this the case; (b) has the number of funded places for community sector organisations been increased to meet demand; and (c) if no to (b), why not?
Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Independent Review Into The
Department Of Communities’ Policies And Practices Into The Placement Of
Children With Harmful Sexual Behaviours In Residential Care Settings , tabled on
15 September 2021, noting on page 30-32 it sets out that for residential care
placements, the Department has a placement capacity of 117, with 91 residents,
whereas funded Community Service Organisations are overflowing, having a
placement capacity of 225 with 284 residents, and I ask: (a) why is this the case; (b) has the number of funded places for community sector organisations been increased to meet demand; and (c) if no to (b), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 May 2022
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Child Protection
Response time
4 days
(a) Communities endeavours to make decisions that are trauma-informed, culturally safe, and in the best interests of children and focussed on meeting their safety and wellbeing needs. While a residential care facility may be able to accommodate up to four children in the metropolitan area and six to eight in regional WA, the children referred to these homes have often faced significant trauma and/or neglect. As a result, they may exhibit complex behaviours and may be a risk to other children or residents and may be housed alone or with limited other residents. Unoccupied beds would not be considered vacancies in these situations. (b) – (c) There has been no increase in the 225 contracted group home placements provided by funded Community Service Organisations. Under certain circumstances, additional placements are funded on an ad hoc basis.
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