Belinda Valentine says State Government can’t waste time now it has Child Protection Royal Commission report
HOLDING back tears, Belinda Valentine says she is “hopeful” the damming report into SA’s child protection system is the change needed — but warned the Government it was on notice.
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BELINDA Valentine held back tears as she spoke of being “hopeful” the royal commissioner’s damming report into child protection would be the change needed to protect vulnerable children in state care.
But the grandmother of Chloe Valentine, who died in 2012 despite multiple notifications to Families SA, urged the Government to be mindful of the time needed to consider the report’s 260 recommendations.
“It took a year to get Chloe’s law into place when they (the Government) said it would immediately,” Ms Valentine said.
“So I think we need to be given some time lengths because there are children in danger right now that need support.”
Ms Valentine said Commissioner Margaret Nyland’s 850-page report, The Life They Deserve, highlighted the system was “not just broken, really broken”.
“I’m hopeful there will be (change) and we have to start with positive intent and with a vision that is long lasting,” she said.
“Unfortunately, it’s taken a long time to get to the space we’re in now and a lot of failings.
“From here we can’t fall any further than the floor and all we can do now is build upwards.
“Unfortunately, Chloe literally hit the floor, as did baby Ebony, while some children have been damaged beyond repair.”
Ms Valentine pledged to continue advocating on behalf of vulnerable children such as Chloe who deserved “better than they got”.
“Children deserve the right to grow up in a safe environment, to be nurtured and cared for well,” she said.
“Unfortunately, we have children in our state that’s not happening for.
“I will keep standing for those kids, even though their families ... are not there.
“I believe they deserve it and I hope others believe that too.”
