The Commission of Inquiry into Child Safety, which reconvenes on 17 November, has already heard from more than 25 young FNQ voices. Photo: File.
The Commission of Inquiry into Child Safety will continue to hear evidence from representatives from the Department of Child Safety when the Far North Queensland public hearings resume in Brisbane.
The public hearings, which begin on Monday 17 November, will be held over a two-week period at the Harry Gibbs Commonwealth Law Court in Brisbane.
Commissioner Paul Anastassiou KC said the continuation of public hearings would give the state the best possible opportunity to answer any criticisms, provide context and further explanations in response to matters aired by witnesses in Far North Queensland and through submissions.
“In Cairns, we heard from several witnesses who have had experience with the child safety system in one way or another,” Mr Anastassiou said.
“One overarching issue, which continues to surface through questioning, is whether more can be done earlier to prevent children coming into the state care by supporting vulnerable families from the outset.
“The continuation of hearings will give the state an opportunity to respond to issues and shortcomings raised in Far North Queensland, in an open forum.”
The hearing builds on three consecutive weeks of public and private hearings in Cairns during September, which saw heavy focus on testimony from frontline carers including foster carers, kinship carers and support workers.
The hearings highlighted several key issues, including:
- the removal of newborn babies
- the state’s lack of responsiveness to carers’ requests, often for critical medical assessment or treatment
- the need for tailored early intervention to support vulnerable families, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, prior to children entering care
- the disconnect between the duty imposed on carers, and the authority they have to make decisions in the best interests of the child
- the role of a child safety officer (CSO), and whether there is sufficient time for a CSO to build a relationship of trust with the child.
The commission also spoke to youth in Far North Queensland during the final week of hearings in Cairns.
The Commission of Inquiry into Child Safety’s first private youth forum in the region heard from more than 25 young voices ranging in age from primary school to late high school. They represented a variety of cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
Issues raised by the young people at the session included:
- feeling voiceless and powerless
- delayed support from the Department of Child Safety, ranging from needing immediate protection from abuse or neglect, to waiting lengthy periods of time to access education, school supplies, and essential clothing
- lack of meaningful connections with child safety officers, due to constant rotation of staff
- inaccessibility of child safety officers or other support, particularly for urgent or after-hours help
- wanting the Department of Child Safety to facilitate more visits and bonding time with their siblings
- lack of support for the transition out of care, including into adulthood
- children being removed from their homes or families without notice, a plan, or available placement
- unstable placements and feeling unsafe in care.
The commission also received more than 100 responses following the release of its online survey for young people.
Complete the survey.
Watch a livestream of the public hearings from 17 November.
