❓ Dr. Constable asks about the number of abuse allegations in care for 2004-2005 and 2005-2006. The answer provides figures, notes a change in definition affecting comparability, and details investigation procedures and staffing.
AnsweredQoN 1435Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(b) 2004-2005; and (c) 2005-2006?
(c) 2005-2006?
(c) 2005-2006?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
20 September 2006
Responded by
Minister for Community Development
Response time
27 days
In 2003 - 2004 the Department expanded the definition of abuse in care to include all allegations of abuse of children in care, and is not limited to allegations involving carers. The figures for 2003-04 and later years cannot be directly compared with earlier years. (b) 139 (c) 138 2) (a) 51 (b) 63 (c) 26 (figures in relation to 2005/06 remain incomplete as some investigations are ongoing) 3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
(b) 139 (c) 138 2) (a) 51 (b) 63 (c) 26 (figures in relation to 2005/06 remain incomplete as some investigations are ongoing) 3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
(c) 138 2) (a) 51 (b) 63 (c) 26 (figures in relation to 2005/06 remain incomplete as some investigations are ongoing) 3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
2) (a) 51 (b) 63 (c) 26 (figures in relation to 2005/06 remain incomplete as some investigations are ongoing) 3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
(b) 63 (c) 26 (figures in relation to 2005/06 remain incomplete as some investigations are ongoing) 3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
(c) 26 (figures in relation to 2005/06 remain incomplete as some investigations are ongoing) 3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
(b) 139 (c) 138 2) (a) 51 (b) 63 (c) 26 (figures in relation to 2005/06 remain incomplete as some investigations are ongoing) 3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
(c) 138 2) (a) 51 (b) 63 (c) 26 (figures in relation to 2005/06 remain incomplete as some investigations are ongoing) 3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
2) (a) 51 (b) 63 (c) 26 (figures in relation to 2005/06 remain incomplete as some investigations are ongoing) 3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
(b) 63 (c) 26 (figures in relation to 2005/06 remain incomplete as some investigations are ongoing) 3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
(c) 26 (figures in relation to 2005/06 remain incomplete as some investigations are ongoing) 3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
3) Normally two field officers, generally the case manager for the child and, where possible, a senior officer with specialist experience in child protection, are responsible for conducting the investigation of any abuse in care allegation relating to a child in the CEO's care.For serious allegations of sexual or physical abuse the Department discusses a joint response with WA Police in order to reduce the number of interviews a child may need to undergo to assess what has occurred. In that instance the Child Interview Unit (metro area) or Specialist Child Interviewers in the country may undertake the interview as part of a planned joint response and investigation. Where appropriate other professionals such as Senior Officers Children's Services, Psychologists and staff from the funded placement agencies will be consulted. Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
Every investigation is quality assured by a Team Leader and Manager and then further quality assured by the Duty of Care Unit. Resources in the 2006-07 budget will increase the capacity of the Duty of Care Unit so that allegations of abuse in care will be centrally investigated and led by social worker with significant child protection experience working alongside the case manager for the child. Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
Generally field officers, Team Leaders and Managers have tertiary qualifications in the social sciences, usually in social work. All Specialist Child Interviewers participate in a 2 week course on specialist child interviewing.
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