Question addresses the policy regarding accommodating boys over ten in women's refuges, particularly in remote communities, and the availability of domestic violence services. The answer clarifies the policy and outlines existing services and funding.

AnsweredQoN 3898Legislative Council
Asked
17 May 2011
Portfolio
Child Protection

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the Department of Child Protection policy not to accommodate boys over ten years of age in women’s refuges, and ask -
(1) When was this policy last reviewed?
(2) Are there any plans to review the policy in the near future?
(3) If yes to (2), when will the review be undertaken?
(4) What strategies are in place to ensure mothers of boys over ten years of age are provided safe refuge from domestic violence?
(5) Which of these strategies are available to women and children living in remote communities?
(6) Are there any plans to provide domestic violence specialist services in remote communities?
(7) If yes to (6), please provide detail on the proposed services, and where they will be provided.

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
21 June 2011
Responded by
Minister for Child Protection
Response time
35 days
(1) The Department for Child Protection does not have a policy restricting boys over the age of ten years from being accommodated in women's domestic violence refuges.
Some services may be unable to accommodate accompanying older boys, generally 15 years and older, due to constraints of communal living or the need to manage the mix of existing clients.
Some Aboriginal services have a lower age restriction for accommodating boys for cultural reasons.
(2 - 3) Not applicable
(4) Services are required to assess cases on an individual basis and endeavour to be flexible and provide an active referral if necessary.
(5) All women's domestic violence refuges are required to be flexible regarding accommodating older boys if possible or provide as appropriate referral.
(6) Currently the Department for Child Protection provides funding of approximately $5.8 million per annum for thirteen domestic violence accommodation services in remote regions of Western Australia.
New domestic violence outreach services were established in the Pilbara and Goldfields regions during 2010.
(7) Not applicable
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