Qld aims to halve number of children in residential care

Queensland will aim to halve the number of children in residential care within five years after a wide-ranging review sparked by The Courier-Mail.

Queensland will aim to halve the number of children in residential care within five years after a wide-ranging review sparked by The Courier-Mail found evidence of systemic issues across the sector.

The review was called by then child safety minister Craig Crawford last July after whistleblowers revealed shock stories of threats of violence, drug use and concerns over child neglect, with a five-year road map set to be released by the state government on Wednesday.

In a message from Mr Crawford – who was replaced by Charis Mullen in the ministerial reshuffle prompted by the resignation of former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk – he writes there would be a number of actions undertaken to improve and strengthen the delivery of residential care services for Queensland children, and says the road map addresses systemic issues identified.

“For the small number of children and young people for whom residential care is the most appropriate care arrangement, I want to ensure their needs are met by a sustainable, flexible and caring system,” he said.

Plans outlined included the piloting of new foster and kinship care models, a review of the placement of every First Nations child, the creation of a child-friendly complaints process and the establishment of a youth advisory board.

Queensland has the largest number of children in residential care across the country, with the number skyrocketing from about 950 in 2019 to more than 1760.

The review talked to a number of children in care, who asked for more input into key decisions about their lives including where and who they live with, not being excluded from playing and socialising with peers, and having their complaints taken seriously.

Ms Mullen told The Courier-Mail while residential care had an important role, it was also clear there was room for change.

Child Safety Minister Charis Mullen

“Because ultimately, we all want young people and children in residential care to receive the best possible support, care and opportunities they require to improve their life outcomes,” she said.

“One of the most critical aspects of the review was the input of young people.

“Their experience and views on residential care were invaluable in determining what works to keep them safe and cared for, and how we can make improvements.”

Queensland Family and Child Commission Principal Commissioner Luke Twyford – who oversaw the review – said it had been an intensive process bringing together frontline workers, young people, policy makers and sector organisations.

“I will now explore how other government agencies can better prioritise the needs of young people in residential care, and I will release my final assessment of the road map in the coming weeks,” he said.

PeakCare chief executive Tom Allsop welcomed the government’s commitment to reducing its reliance on residential care.

Tackling the overrepresentation of First Nations children in residential care was also a priority, with about 42 per cent of children in residential care were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak Chief Executive Office Garth Morgan said reimagining models of care for First Nations children would lead to better life outcomes.

“(It also has) the potential to significantly reduce the cost burden to the State that the current residential care model demands,’ he said.

“An investment in supporting a child to live with family is a smart investment in their future and a fiscally responsible investment for Queenslanders.

“All children deserve the opportunity to grow up strong in culture and supported to reach their full potential.

“Keeping kids out of residential care and with family will lead to better life outcomes for kids, and lower costs to the Queensland taxpayer.”