Western Australia is now home to 610,000 children and young people who represent almost a quarter of the state’s total population, according to a new report from the Commissioner for Children and Young People.
The Commissioner, Colin Pettit said his report, 2021 Profile of Children and Young People in WA, also found a 19 per cent increase in the number of children aged six to 11 years living in WA in the past 10 years.
“In simple terms, this data gives us an insight into who and where our children and young people are,” Mr Pettit said.
“The data assists the Government sector, including education, health and planning, as well as providing valuable information for local Governments,” he said.
“It also assists non-Government service providers that deliver a range of supports for children and their families.”
Mr Pettit said the data kept track of any changes in the number of vulnerable children and young people, including those in the child protection and justice systems.
The Commissioner said his Report was useful for anyone working on policy and services for children and young people, and was supported by feedback from young people.
“We’re currently surveying children and young people for WA’s second Speaking Out Survey,” he said.
“The information from this survey tells us what young people think about their lives, where they get support and what help they need to achieve their potential.”
Mr Pettit said his Report’s data was sourced from various WA Government Departments, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare as well as research organisations.
The Commissioner’s 31-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
