Concern over spike in the number of unallocated abuse claims

The number of unallocated child safety cases has hit a two-year high, government figures show.

Tasmania’s unallocated child safety cases reach two-year high

The number of unallocated child safety cases has hit a two-year high, government figures show.

Data released by the Department of Education, Children and Young People shows there was an average of 47.5 cases pending child safety assessment at the end of the December quarter.

The figure represents an 83 per cent rise on the previous quarter.

The department noted that cases are supposed to be allocated to a case worker on the same day for priority 1 assessments, within five days for priority 2 assessments and within ten days for priority 3 assessments.

A further breakdown of the unallocated cases was not made.

It comes as the number of contacts about concerns for the safety or wellbeing of children to the Strong Families Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line dropped to 5319 from 5906.

Greens spokeswoman for Children and Young People Cecily Rosol said the figures were distressing.

Greens children and young people spokeswoman Cecily Rosol. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

“They show a huge increase in the number of child safety cases waiting to be assessed, which in practice means an increased risk to children’s safety and wellbeing,” she said.

“Staff in Child Safety Services are doing their best under incredibly difficult circumstances. This is not their fault – this is all about the government, their warped priorities, and their continued refusal to make child safety a genuine focus.

“It wasn’t so long ago we had a Commission of Inquiry that exposed the terrible harm caused to children due to the failures of government. Despite that, the Rockliff Government continues to oversee major failings in the systems that are supposed to protect Tasmania’s most vulnerable.

“This is just so serious. It cannot be allowed to go on. With the Minister clearly not understanding the gravity of this situation, the Premier needs to step in and take urgent action to address what is clearly an ongoing crisis in child safety.”

A government spokeswoman said that the safety and wellbeing of young Tasmanians is a priority.

“Throughout the year, there are predictable peaks in demand for child safety services, and it is not unusual to see an increase prior to school holidays.

“Systems are in place across the State to ensure children awaiting allocation are actively triaged.

“Child Safety staff support some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and we thank them for their tireless efforts.”

She said the government was boosting the child safety workforce to help meet demand — with 32 new frontline employees recruited last year following a nationwide campaign and a $4.5m workforce package.

Another recruitment campaign was launched earlier this year, attracting a significant number of candidates and is in the final stages.