An audit of the Family Support and Child Protection System has found it to be under pressure from high demand and not adequately structured to meet the complex, 24/7 needs of vulnerable children.
Noting the significant economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Auditor-General, Brendan Worrall said these placed ever greater demands on the family support and child protection system.
He said this further increased the need for the community, public sector and non-Government service providers to act collectively to ensure no child fell through the gaps.
“We audited six public sector entities responsible for delivering family support and child protection services,” Mr Worrall said.
The audit found progress had been made since previous audits but the system was still under pressure.
“Entities have made good progress implementing recommendations from reviews over recent years and reforming the family support and child protection system,” Mr Worrall said.
“In most cases Agencies cooperate well, and this can be further enhanced. However, the system remains under pressure from high demand and the growth in families with multiple and complex needs.”
He said early support was important but greater capacity was needed.
“At present, family support services do not have the capacity to provide significantly more services,” the Auditor-General said.
Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women, Di Farmer said the auditor made a number of recommendations, several of which were already being implemented.
“My Department has accepted or accepted in principle all of the eight recommendations,” Ms Farmer said.
“We’re continuing to work to improve and strengthen the child protection and family support system.”
She said the report made clear that staff and Agencies across the child protection and family support system were working harder than ever.
The Auditor-General’s 72-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.