❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about children in care being placed in staff homes due to COVID-19. The response clarifies that such placements are voluntary and confirms a single instance of this occurring for one night.
AnsweredQoN 2897Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to an article entitled “Vulnerable kids fear”, printed in The West Australian on 3 April 2020, which states the Department of Communities allegedly told staff that due to COVID-19, children in care may, as a last resort, need to be placed in the homes of staff members, and I ask: (a) is it the case that staff members are expected to place children in their own homes if other placements are not available; (b) how many staff members took children in care home in March; and (c) in relation to (b), how many still have one or more children in care in their home?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 June 2020
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Child Protection
Response time
9 days
a) No. Any such placements are voluntary. If people do not wish to participate, then they do not have to.
The Department of Communities is committed to prioritising the health and safety of children and families.?
Limitations on movement throughout regional WA due to COVID-19 has the potential to place additional pressures on the child protection system. With this in mind, Communities’ business continuity planning considers a range of scenarios for children in care who may require short-term arrangements.
As part of this planning, child protection staff were surveyed to ascertain if they would be in a position to care for a child on a time-limited basis. These are extraordinary circumstances and the Department needed to plan for all possible scenarios that may arise due to COVID-19.
Potential carers offering to participate would be required to have a Working with Children clearance and consent from their line manager.
b) One, for one night.
c) Nil.
The Department of Communities is committed to prioritising the health and safety of children and families.?
Limitations on movement throughout regional WA due to COVID-19 has the potential to place additional pressures on the child protection system. With this in mind, Communities’ business continuity planning considers a range of scenarios for children in care who may require short-term arrangements.
As part of this planning, child protection staff were surveyed to ascertain if they would be in a position to care for a child on a time-limited basis. These are extraordinary circumstances and the Department needed to plan for all possible scenarios that may arise due to COVID-19.
Potential carers offering to participate would be required to have a Working with Children clearance and consent from their line manager.
b) One, for one night.
c) Nil.
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