❓ Question regarding the Department for Community Development's family reunification policy and the safety of children in potentially dangerous environments. The Premier's response defends the department's actions and prioritisation of child safety.
AnsweredQoN 528Legislative Assembly
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DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - FAMILY REUNIFICATION POLICY
I refer to the report of the Legislative Council Select Committee on the Adequacy of Foster Care Assessment Procedures by the Department for Community Development, which was tabled today. The report states that the Department for Community Development is in the process of forming a family reunification policy. (1) Why did the former Minister for Community Development respond to the concerns of the grandmother of Wade Scale about her grandson by stating that the department had been focusing on reunification for some time, when no reunification policy existed? (2) Why is a policy of reunification into a potentially dangerous environment being pursued ahead of the safety of children? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
I refer to the report of the Legislative Council Select Committee on the Adequacy of Foster Care Assessment Procedures by the Department for Community Development, which was tabled today. The report states that the Department for Community Development is in the process of forming a family reunification policy. (1) Why did the former Minister for Community Development respond to the concerns of the grandmother of Wade Scale about her grandson by stating that the department had been focusing on reunification for some time, when no reunification policy existed? (2) Why is a policy of reunification into a potentially dangerous environment being pursued ahead of the safety of children? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
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(1)-(2) I have never heard such a ludicrous proposition. The safety of the child is always paramount. Everybody knows that. It is sad that the opposition has continued to pursue this particular line, despite the disgraceful outcome of its approach earlier in the week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
(1) Why did the former Minister for Community Development respond to the concerns of the grandmother of Wade Scale about her grandson by stating that the department had been focusing on reunification for some time, when no reunification policy existed? (2) Why is a policy of reunification into a potentially dangerous environment being pursued ahead of the safety of children? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) I have never heard such a ludicrous proposition. The safety of the child is always paramount. Everybody knows that. It is sad that the opposition has continued to pursue this particular line, despite the disgraceful outcome of its approach earlier in the week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
(2) Why is a policy of reunification into a potentially dangerous environment being pursued ahead of the safety of children? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) I have never heard such a ludicrous proposition. The safety of the child is always paramount. Everybody knows that. It is sad that the opposition has continued to pursue this particular line, despite the disgraceful outcome of its approach earlier in the week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) I have never heard such a ludicrous proposition. The safety of the child is always paramount. Everybody knows that. It is sad that the opposition has continued to pursue this particular line, despite the disgraceful outcome of its approach earlier in the week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
(1)-(2) I have never heard such a ludicrous proposition. The safety of the child is always paramount. Everybody knows that. It is sad that the opposition has continued to pursue this particular line, despite the disgraceful outcome of its approach earlier in the week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
(1) Why did the former Minister for Community Development respond to the concerns of the grandmother of Wade Scale about her grandson by stating that the department had been focusing on reunification for some time, when no reunification policy existed? (2) Why is a policy of reunification into a potentially dangerous environment being pursued ahead of the safety of children? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) I have never heard such a ludicrous proposition. The safety of the child is always paramount. Everybody knows that. It is sad that the opposition has continued to pursue this particular line, despite the disgraceful outcome of its approach earlier in the week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
(2) Why is a policy of reunification into a potentially dangerous environment being pursued ahead of the safety of children? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) I have never heard such a ludicrous proposition. The safety of the child is always paramount. Everybody knows that. It is sad that the opposition has continued to pursue this particular line, despite the disgraceful outcome of its approach earlier in the week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) I have never heard such a ludicrous proposition. The safety of the child is always paramount. Everybody knows that. It is sad that the opposition has continued to pursue this particular line, despite the disgraceful outcome of its approach earlier in the week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
(1)-(2) I have never heard such a ludicrous proposition. The safety of the child is always paramount. Everybody knows that. It is sad that the opposition has continued to pursue this particular line, despite the disgraceful outcome of its approach earlier in the week. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Hillarys and the member for Cottesloe to order. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since 2001 the Department for Community Development has been reforming the way in which it responds to vulnerable children in its care. Since 2003 the government has been allocating additional resources to the department to enable it to strengthen the training and support provided to foster carers. A key part has been to ensure that processes for relative carers are consistent with processes for general carers. Rigorous processes have been established to ensure the initial and ongoing screening of both general and relative carers. Training of both general and relative carers is a priority to ensure that newly registered carers are as prepared as possible for their critically important roles and that existing carers are kept up to date on current trends and practice. Additional resources were allocated in the government’s 2006-07 budget to improve the training provided to departmental staff. This was part of the $140 million boost to the department’s funding in the budget. Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr P.D. Omodei : Why don’t you read out another letter? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Would the Leader of the Opposition have preferred that I did not read out that letter yesterday? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : A departmental standard requires that every child in the chief executive officer’s care should be visited on a quarterly basis and that the visit should be recorded on the department’s data system. As part of its ongoing review of its practices, the department has identified that this standard is not met in every case; however, in most instances the visits may exceed the standard. Additional caseworkers allocated in the 2006-07 budget will enhance the department’s ability to meet the standard in all cases. Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr R.F. Johnson : This has nothing to do with the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member for Roe asked me a question about foster carers. Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr R.F. Johnson : No; he asked a question about reunification. Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr C.J. Barnett : I think you’re giving the wrong answer. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I am not. I make the member for Cottesloe an offer: if he wants to ask the question, he should stand and ask it. He has not asked one question. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I prefer to respect the wishes of Mrs Jakins. She made her wishes perfectly clear to me and, I understand, to the Leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately, he has ignored that. I do not intend to. On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
On the issue of foster carers, which the member introduced into the discussion, the select committee has identified some key issues in its report, which was tabled in Parliament today. It is obvious that the government is committed in a way that no previous government has ever been committed to improving the circumstances of both foster carers and the children in their care. The minister responsible for this area of government activity will involve himself in discussions with the chair of the select committee, Hon Robyn McSweeney, to determine what action can be taken to pursue the desirable outcomes expressed in the report. There is absolutely no question that this government is fully committed to resourcing, training and supporting foster carers and the children in their care. It is a key activity of government. In relation to the particular case referred to by the member for Roe, I had a discussion with Mrs Jakins and she made her wishes perfectly clear, and I intend to respect them.
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