❓ Question regarding the over-representation of regional children in child death statistics and government actions to address this. The answer acknowledges the issue and outlines various initiatives by the Department of Child Protection and Family Support.
AnsweredQoN 2045Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Office of the Ombudsman Annual Report 2013-14 , in particular the reporting of the Child Death Review, and I ask: (a) the Office of the Ombudsman Annual Report 2013-14 states that children in regional locations are over-represented compared to the child population as a whole, and more so for investigable deaths, why is this the case; and (b) what is the Government doing to address this?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 February 2015
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Premier
Response time
118 days
1. The Ombudsman has not identified a reason for this. The Ombudsman reviews the circumstances in which and why certain child deaths occur, identifies patterns and trends in relation to the child deaths and makes recommendations to government departments and public authorities about ways to prevent or reduce investigable child deaths. The Ombudsman has identified a pattern and trend that children in regional locations are over-represented compared to the child population as a whole and more so for investigable deaths. Further, the Ombudsman considers identified patterns and trends, including the over-representation of children in regional locations, as part of its major own-motion investigations and, where relevant, recommendations to government departments and public authorities about ways to prevent or reduce investigable child deaths are specifically directed to ways to prevent or reduce investigable child deaths in regional locations.
2. The Department of Child Protection and Family Support advises:
State Government initiatives include but are not limited to:
· Interagency child safety meetings are held regularly in regional towns and remote communities where there is a multifunctional Police facility. These meetings include representatives from both Government and Non-Government agencies with a focus on ensuring all relevant staff are aware of children at risk in their area, ensuring appropriate referrals are made and that there is a co-ordinated response to case management.
· regional managers meet regularly as part of the Human Service Managers Forum to discuss local issues and trends which may be impacting on child safety and work together to identify ways to address systemic issues and opportunities to mitigate these factors.
· During 2013 the Department of Child Protection and Family Support (CPFS) developed specific practice guidance and in 2014 implemented a program of Gatekeeper suicide prevention training for staff throughout the state (including administrative staff), to better respond to suicide (specifically youth suicide) and suicide ideation. These initiatives are linked to participation in the One Life suicide prevention strategy.
· A refocus of the Parent Support service since 2012 has resulted in far greater involvement with and responses to young people and their families who are difficult to engage, often isolated, and involved in criminal and anti-social behaviour and chronic truancy - behaviours identified in the report as risk factors for youth suicide.
· CPFS has also recently undertaken reforms, in collaboration with the community services sector for the delivery of funded youth services, increasing case management to young people with complex issues, in addition to outreach and activities aimed to engage with this vulnerable group.
· Amendments to the Children and Community Services Act 2004 are currently before Parliament. These amendments aim to reinforce the need to consider the effects of cumulative harm on a child's safety and development.
· Overall, these reforms have delivered a renewed focus on the high risk, disengaged and isolated young people who are identified in the report as displaying risk indicators for suicide.
· CPFS has strengthened its position in relation to concerns for the wellbeing of an unborn baby as a result of a pregnant woman using Alcohol and other Drugs. Signs of Safety mapping and planning must occur as part of pre-birth planning processes. This involves CPFS, health professionals and family members.
2. The Department of Child Protection and Family Support advises:
State Government initiatives include but are not limited to:
· Interagency child safety meetings are held regularly in regional towns and remote communities where there is a multifunctional Police facility. These meetings include representatives from both Government and Non-Government agencies with a focus on ensuring all relevant staff are aware of children at risk in their area, ensuring appropriate referrals are made and that there is a co-ordinated response to case management.
· regional managers meet regularly as part of the Human Service Managers Forum to discuss local issues and trends which may be impacting on child safety and work together to identify ways to address systemic issues and opportunities to mitigate these factors.
· During 2013 the Department of Child Protection and Family Support (CPFS) developed specific practice guidance and in 2014 implemented a program of Gatekeeper suicide prevention training for staff throughout the state (including administrative staff), to better respond to suicide (specifically youth suicide) and suicide ideation. These initiatives are linked to participation in the One Life suicide prevention strategy.
· A refocus of the Parent Support service since 2012 has resulted in far greater involvement with and responses to young people and their families who are difficult to engage, often isolated, and involved in criminal and anti-social behaviour and chronic truancy - behaviours identified in the report as risk factors for youth suicide.
· CPFS has also recently undertaken reforms, in collaboration with the community services sector for the delivery of funded youth services, increasing case management to young people with complex issues, in addition to outreach and activities aimed to engage with this vulnerable group.
· Amendments to the Children and Community Services Act 2004 are currently before Parliament. These amendments aim to reinforce the need to consider the effects of cumulative harm on a child's safety and development.
· Overall, these reforms have delivered a renewed focus on the high risk, disengaged and isolated young people who are identified in the report as displaying risk indicators for suicide.
· CPFS has strengthened its position in relation to concerns for the wellbeing of an unborn baby as a result of a pregnant woman using Alcohol and other Drugs. Signs of Safety mapping and planning must occur as part of pre-birth planning processes. This involves CPFS, health professionals and family members.
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