❓ A parliamentary question on notice addresses the placement of a child in a home with two convicted sex offenders by the Department for Child Protection. The Minister defends the department's decision, citing difficult circumstances and safeguards.
AnsweredQoN 345Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
CHILD
PROTECTION — INAPPROPRIATE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN
345. Hon SALLY
TALBOT to the Minister for Child Protection:
I refer to the arrangements made by the Minister for Child Protection's
department last month to place a child in a home with two convicted sex
offenders.
(1) When did
the minister become aware of the placement?
(2) Did the
minister agree with the local magistrate that the placement was inappropriate?
(3) If so,
when was the child removed from that home?
(4) Where has
the child been placed since his removal?
(5) If no to
(2), will other children be placed in the home with two convicted sex offenders
if similar circumstances arise in the future?
PROTECTION — INAPPROPRIATE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN
345. Hon SALLY
TALBOT to the Minister for Child Protection:
I refer to the arrangements made by the Minister for Child Protection's
department last month to place a child in a home with two convicted sex
offenders.
(1) When did
the minister become aware of the placement?
(2) Did the
minister agree with the local magistrate that the placement was inappropriate?
(3) If so,
when was the child removed from that home?
(4) Where has
the child been placed since his removal?
(5) If no to
(2), will other children be placed in the home with two convicted sex offenders
if similar circumstances arise in the future?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
member for the question.
(1)–(5)
Without notice, I cannot give the date, so I am unable to give her the precise
date on which I became aware of this matter. I was certainly informed of it and
had knowledge about the situation.
When I was given the information on why this
decision had been made and the circumstances surrounding it, and the weighing
up of the considerations of the Department for Child Protection and Family
Support that needed to take place, I concurred fully with the department's
decision. I concur with the comments made by the director general of the
Department for Child Protection and Family Support that it was a really
difficult situation and that it was trying to find the best possible outcome
for the child in those processes, with the main objective being reunification
with the mother. I have had ongoing updates and briefing notes about how this
has unfolded and I know that that child has subsequently moved away from the
placement to another placement.
Hon Sally Talbot :
Back to his mother?
Hon HELEN MORTON : I believe that was happening, but
unless I am brought up to date right now, I could not tell the member whether
that child is with the mother. I know a bit of work was happening to bring the
mother and child together, and most people were hopeful that that would occur.
If the member wants more detailed information on that —
Hon Sally Talbot : Would you still place children with
two convicted sex offenders?
Hon HELEN MORTON : Let me say again that t he situation
put in place by the Department for Child Protection and Family Support is one I
support, and it was on the basis of all of the issues, all of the
considerations that needed to take place and all of the safeguards put in place
for that child in that placement at the time. I was fully aware of that and I
supported it.
member for the question.
(1)–(5)
Without notice, I cannot give the date, so I am unable to give her the precise
date on which I became aware of this matter. I was certainly informed of it and
had knowledge about the situation.
When I was given the information on why this
decision had been made and the circumstances surrounding it, and the weighing
up of the considerations of the Department for Child Protection and Family
Support that needed to take place, I concurred fully with the department's
decision. I concur with the comments made by the director general of the
Department for Child Protection and Family Support that it was a really
difficult situation and that it was trying to find the best possible outcome
for the child in those processes, with the main objective being reunification
with the mother. I have had ongoing updates and briefing notes about how this
has unfolded and I know that that child has subsequently moved away from the
placement to another placement.
Hon Sally Talbot :
Back to his mother?
Hon HELEN MORTON : I believe that was happening, but
unless I am brought up to date right now, I could not tell the member whether
that child is with the mother. I know a bit of work was happening to bring the
mother and child together, and most people were hopeful that that would occur.
If the member wants more detailed information on that —
Hon Sally Talbot : Would you still place children with
two convicted sex offenders?
Hon HELEN MORTON : Let me say again that t he situation
put in place by the Department for Child Protection and Family Support is one I
support, and it was on the basis of all of the issues, all of the
considerations that needed to take place and all of the safeguards put in place
for that child in that placement at the time. I was fully aware of that and I
supported it.
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