❓ A parliamentary question regarding the Department for Child Protection's purchase of a property in Darch to be used as a family group home, and the lack of community consultation. The Minister responds, outlining the purpose of the property and the department's consultation efforts.
AnsweredQoN 420Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION — DARCH property
(1) Is the Department for Child Protection currently planning to purchase or lease a property in Darch? (2) If yes to (1), for what purpose and at what stage is any proposal? (3) Given that some residents in Darch are concerned that the department has not been proactively consulting over the use of the house, will the minister direct the department to commence meaningful consultation with all local stakeholders as a matter of urgency? (4) What properties does the department currently own or lease in Darch? Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY
(1) Is the Department for Child Protection currently planning to purchase or lease a property in Darch? (2) If yes to (1), for what purpose and at what stage is any proposal? (3) Given that some residents in Darch are concerned that the department has not been proactively consulting over the use of the house, will the minister direct the department to commence meaningful consultation with all local stakeholders as a matter of urgency? (4) What properties does the department currently own or lease in Darch? Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of the question. An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(2) If yes to (1), for what purpose and at what stage is any proposal? (3) Given that some residents in Darch are concerned that the department has not been proactively consulting over the use of the house, will the minister direct the department to commence meaningful consultation with all local stakeholders as a matter of urgency? (4) What properties does the department currently own or lease in Darch? Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(3) Given that some residents in Darch are concerned that the department has not been proactively consulting over the use of the house, will the minister direct the department to commence meaningful consultation with all local stakeholders as a matter of urgency? (4) What properties does the department currently own or lease in Darch? Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(4) What properties does the department currently own or lease in Darch? Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
I thank the member for some notice of the question. An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(2) If yes to (1), for what purpose and at what stage is any proposal? (3) Given that some residents in Darch are concerned that the department has not been proactively consulting over the use of the house, will the minister direct the department to commence meaningful consultation with all local stakeholders as a matter of urgency? (4) What properties does the department currently own or lease in Darch? Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(3) Given that some residents in Darch are concerned that the department has not been proactively consulting over the use of the house, will the minister direct the department to commence meaningful consultation with all local stakeholders as a matter of urgency? (4) What properties does the department currently own or lease in Darch? Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(4) What properties does the department currently own or lease in Darch? Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
I thank the member for some notice of the question. An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
An offer was accepted for the Darch property on Wednesday, 16 June and is awaiting settlement. This has allowed little time for consultation on that purchase to occur. The Darch property is a tier 1 property and will be managed by UnitingCare West. Settlement is expected to occur in late July 2010, when the house will be passed on to UnitingCare West. UnitingCare West, a non-government community service organisation, has been contracted by the department. For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
For the benefit of other members, I will explain what a tier 1 house is designed for. A tier 1 house is to provide a safe family home living environment with live-in carers for up to four children who are unable to live with their parents. For one-third of these houses, we place sibling groups—it could be three, four or five siblings—that we do not want to split up because they have already been taken away from their parents; they do not need to be taken away from their siblings. The carers seek to enrol those children in school and involve them in normal community activities. The house has not been purchased to place children recently released from detention or for children with serious offending behaviours. A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
A response advising what I have outlined to the house has been forwarded to residents who have expressed concern. Additionally, an offer has been made to meet with residents. Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
Given that I said on 16 June that an offer to purchase was accepted, on 18 June a letter was circulated anonymously into people’s letterboxes in that neighbourhood. The anonymous letter stated — I WISH TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE “DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION” HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE — A house in Darch — THE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO LEASE THE PREMISES TO A NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT. THESE CHILDREN CAN BE RECENTLY RELEASED JUVENILES FROM STATE DETENTION OR JUVENILES WHO DISPLAY ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS KIND OF CARE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD COULD PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK AND WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF NEARBY PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO EMAIL OR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING YOUR OBJECTION. From that anonymous letter drop, the department received 13 letters from concerned neighbours whom the department has written to in a proper manner. Therefore, when the Leader of the Opposition asked about the consultation, it was very hard to consult within those two days but we do have a consultation process. I know that Hon Sue Ellery is familiar with that and that she also understands that these children do have to live in a safe place, they have a right to be safe and they have a right to live in the community. We both know and recognise that. Therefore, the answer to the member’s question is as follows — (1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(1) An offer has been accepted to purchase a Darch property. (2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(2) The offer of acceptance occurred on 16 June. This property will operate as a family group home for four children—that is, with live-in carers—and will be managed by UnitingCare West. (3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(3) The department and UnitingCare West staff are consulting with the community. (4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
(4) This is currently the only property in Darch owned or leased by the department.
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