A WA parliamentary question seeks an update on a child previously reported missing from care and inquires about the current number of children with 'unknown' whereabouts. The Minister clarifies the term and provides updated figures.

AnsweredQoN 3Legislative Council
Asked
15 February 2022
Portfolio
Child Protection

QuestionView source ↗

CHILDREN IN CARE —
WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN
3. Hon NICK GOIRAN to the Leader of the House representing
the Minister for Child Protection:
I refer to the answer to my
question without notice 1208, asked on 16 December 2021, in which the house was
informed that one child in the care of the CEO of the department, whose
whereabouts was recorded as ''unknown'' for 35 days, had not been
found.
(1) Has this child been found?
(2) For how many days has this
child had their whereabouts recorded as ''unknown''?
(3) How many
children are in the care of the CEO whose whereabouts are currently recorded as
''unknown''?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
The term ''whereabouts
unknown'' may lead to the assumption that every child with a placement
titled ''unknown'' is a missing person, not in contact with
caseworkers and unable to be supported by Communities.
(1) Yes.
(2) The child was recorded in a placement
type of ''unknown'' for 36 days.
(3) As of 15 February 2022, there are eight children
recorded in a placement type of ''unknown''. Seven of those children
are in contact with the department, and one person has been reported to WA
Police as missing.

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