❓ Question regarding the establishment of an independent body to investigate child maltreatment allegations, following the release of an Ombudsman's report. The Minister acknowledges the report, highlights that the issues occurred three years prior, and outlines steps the government is taking to address the recommendations.
AnsweredQoN 570Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
OMBUDSMAN’S REPORT - ESTABLISHMENT OF INDEPENDENT BODY TO INVESTIGATE CHILD MALTREATMENT ALLEGATIONS
I refer to the Ombudsman’s report released yesterday titled “Report on Allegations Concerning the Treatment of Children and Young People in Residential Care”, which identified unacceptable practices in residential care hostels, including punitive measures by staff, such as the denial of water and meals to residents, the improper use of restraints, locking young people out of hostels, the use of improper methods to wake up young people, and threatening behaviour towards young people. Does the minister support the establishment of an independent body to investigate child maltreatment allegations, as is recommended in this report? Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN
I refer to the Ombudsman’s report released yesterday titled “Report on Allegations Concerning the Treatment of Children and Young People in Residential Care”, which identified unacceptable practices in residential care hostels, including punitive measures by staff, such as the denial of water and meals to residents, the improper use of restraints, locking young people out of hostels, the use of improper methods to wake up young people, and threatening behaviour towards young people. Does the minister support the establishment of an independent body to investigate child maltreatment allegations, as is recommended in this report? Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Roe for the question. Just to correct the member for Roe, the Ombudsman’s report was released this morning and tabled in this house this morning. It is important to highlight what the Ombudsman’s report found, and the background to that report. We need to understand that when children and young people are placed in a residential care facility, that is - as the member for Roe would know - unfortunately the last resort for these children. Many of these children have mental and behavioural problems that mean they cannot be placed with foster carers or their family. We need to understand that we are talking about a very tough group of young people. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN replied: I thank the member for Roe for the question. Just to correct the member for Roe, the Ombudsman’s report was released this morning and tabled in this house this morning. It is important to highlight what the Ombudsman’s report found, and the background to that report. We need to understand that when children and young people are placed in a residential care facility, that is - as the member for Roe would know - unfortunately the last resort for these children. Many of these children have mental and behavioural problems that mean they cannot be placed with foster carers or their family. We need to understand that we are talking about a very tough group of young people. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
I thank the member for Roe for the question. Just to correct the member for Roe, the Ombudsman’s report was released this morning and tabled in this house this morning. It is important to highlight what the Ombudsman’s report found, and the background to that report. We need to understand that when children and young people are placed in a residential care facility, that is - as the member for Roe would know - unfortunately the last resort for these children. Many of these children have mental and behavioural problems that mean they cannot be placed with foster carers or their family. We need to understand that we are talking about a very tough group of young people. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
It is important to highlight what the Ombudsman’s report found, and the background to that report. We need to understand that when children and young people are placed in a residential care facility, that is - as the member for Roe would know - unfortunately the last resort for these children. Many of these children have mental and behavioural problems that mean they cannot be placed with foster carers or their family. We need to understand that we are talking about a very tough group of young people. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN replied: I thank the member for Roe for the question. Just to correct the member for Roe, the Ombudsman’s report was released this morning and tabled in this house this morning. It is important to highlight what the Ombudsman’s report found, and the background to that report. We need to understand that when children and young people are placed in a residential care facility, that is - as the member for Roe would know - unfortunately the last resort for these children. Many of these children have mental and behavioural problems that mean they cannot be placed with foster carers or their family. We need to understand that we are talking about a very tough group of young people. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
I thank the member for Roe for the question. Just to correct the member for Roe, the Ombudsman’s report was released this morning and tabled in this house this morning. It is important to highlight what the Ombudsman’s report found, and the background to that report. We need to understand that when children and young people are placed in a residential care facility, that is - as the member for Roe would know - unfortunately the last resort for these children. Many of these children have mental and behavioural problems that mean they cannot be placed with foster carers or their family. We need to understand that we are talking about a very tough group of young people. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
It is important to highlight what the Ombudsman’s report found, and the background to that report. We need to understand that when children and young people are placed in a residential care facility, that is - as the member for Roe would know - unfortunately the last resort for these children. Many of these children have mental and behavioural problems that mean they cannot be placed with foster carers or their family. We need to understand that we are talking about a very tough group of young people. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
I need to highlight that this report delineates problems that occurred three years ago. It no longer reflects the current practices of the department. I have read the report. I understand the range of issues that were highlighted to the Ombudsman. I want members to understand that the Ombudsman has been working with the Department for Community Development over the past two years in the preparation of this report with regard to a range of issues and practices that have been raised. The government is addressing this issue. For example, in this budget we have allocated funding to the department so that it can employ a further 10 full-time staff and provide appropriate training for staff. All the 24 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report will be responded to by the department and applied.
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