More than 200 young South Australians in state care reported as missing or breaking curfew in 2016-17

GROWING numbers of children are running away from state-run homes or ignoring curfews and some are going missing every night for months, new figures show.

Growing numbers of children are running away from state-run homes or ignoring curfews.

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GROWING numbers of children are running away from state-run homes or ignoring curfews - and some are going missing every night for months, new figures show.

Reports to the State Government reveal cases including an 11-year-old boy who was reported missing on 40 occasions and another child who had only slept in their government-run home for four out of 65 nights.

A total of 207 children or teenagers were reported missing from houses where they live in the care of child protection workers in the past financial year.

The number rose from 177 the previous year and 162 in 2014-15 - mirroring growth in the number of children being taken into state care.

Numerous runaway cases are detailed in the Nyland Royal Commission report into the state’s child protection system.

Former judge Margaret Nyland.

Former judge Margaret Nyland made recommendations to address the problem, including opening a “secure” facility from which children could not escape, and where they could receive intensive therapeutic care.

Ms Nyland acknowledged the high cost of such a facility but argued that there was a “demonstrated need for such a service”.

She also urged the expansion of an outreach program, run by Yarrow Place, which tracks down young people who frequently run away and are at risk of sexual exploitation.

The expanded program should also work with teens at risk of engaging in drug taking, self-harm or criminal behaviour, she said.

Child Development Minister Susan Close said the Government had accepted both recommendations.

SA Health was conducting a review of “how best” to expand the outreach program and work was “underway” with UniSA’s Dr Sara McLean on developing a therapeutic model of care which could be used in all state-run homes, she said.

“No 11-year-old should be wandering the streets at night and much stricter supervision is needed.” - Rachel Sanderson

Dr Close said that the Government had committed $500 million to implement the Nyland reforms.

Child Protection Department boss Cathy Taylor said carers were required to report children as missing even if they were late for curfew.

“There are a variety of reasons why some children ... don’t return to their placements on time ... (including) reconnecting with biological family and staying out with friends after hours,” she said.

Ms Taylor conceded that child protection workers were “not in a position to physically prevent children from leaving their homes” but worked with them to address the “underlying reasons” why they leave.

Opposition child protection spokeswoman Rachel Sanderson agreed that there was “a need for a secure facility from which these children can’t escape”.

“As an immediate response we need improve security at existing state-run homes,” Ms Sanderson said.

“No 11-year-old should be wandering the streets at night and much stricter supervision is needed.”