Published Wednesday, 06 December, 2006 at 05:00 AM
Minister for Child Safety
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Report received into case of young girl
A report on an investigation into the treatment of a young girl in a remote Cape York Community has been received by the Child Safety Minister Desley Boyle and senior executives of the Department of Child Safety.
The investigation was carried out by the Department of Child Safety under the supervision of the Crime and Misconduct Commission and the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian.
The previous Child Safety Minister ordered the investigation after media reports in June 2006 alleged a young girl in a remote community had been sexually abused and the Department, when informed, had failed to act immediately to ensure her safety.
The report includes allegations of inadequate performance by a number of staff. However, neither the Police nor the CMC have recommended that any criminal charges be laid against staff of the Department of Child Safety.
Police have charged six people, both adults and juveniles, with the alleged sexual abuse of the girl.
The Department’s investigation makes a series of recommendations. As a result steps are now being taken, including:
· Disciplinary action against some departmental officers
· An audit of child protection practices in the office concerned
· Action to improve compliance with departmental training and staff supervision requirements
· Efforts to strengthen the relationship with other agencies to improve child protection
Ms Boyle said the CMC had approved the Department to act on disciplinary recommendations against staff while the Commission for Children will oversee recommendations relating to child protection practice and the ongoing care of the girl.
“One temporary officer has been dismissed and two officers have received notices (Tuesday 5 December) asking them to show cause as to why they should not face disciplinary action.
“It is right and proper that they now be given a chance to respond to the allegations without being prejudged. After we receive their responses, the final outcomes will be decided and I will report further.
“However it is really important for people to know that this girl is now safe and is being properly cared for.
“The Department’s failure in this instance, as disappointing as it is, should not overshadow the great work done by the overwhelming majority of child protection workers every day of the week.
“With 35,000 notifications of child abuse each year and with over 6,600 children already in out of home care the pressure on our staff is huge. The real answer of course lies in parents doing the right thing in the first place and providing their children with a safe and loving home,” Ms Boyle said.
Ends
The investigation was carried out by the Department of Child Safety under the supervision of the Crime and Misconduct Commission and the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian.
The previous Child Safety Minister ordered the investigation after media reports in June 2006 alleged a young girl in a remote community had been sexually abused and the Department, when informed, had failed to act immediately to ensure her safety.
The report includes allegations of inadequate performance by a number of staff. However, neither the Police nor the CMC have recommended that any criminal charges be laid against staff of the Department of Child Safety.
Police have charged six people, both adults and juveniles, with the alleged sexual abuse of the girl.
The Department’s investigation makes a series of recommendations. As a result steps are now being taken, including:
· Disciplinary action against some departmental officers
· An audit of child protection practices in the office concerned
· Action to improve compliance with departmental training and staff supervision requirements
· Efforts to strengthen the relationship with other agencies to improve child protection
Ms Boyle said the CMC had approved the Department to act on disciplinary recommendations against staff while the Commission for Children will oversee recommendations relating to child protection practice and the ongoing care of the girl.
“One temporary officer has been dismissed and two officers have received notices (Tuesday 5 December) asking them to show cause as to why they should not face disciplinary action.
“It is right and proper that they now be given a chance to respond to the allegations without being prejudged. After we receive their responses, the final outcomes will be decided and I will report further.
“However it is really important for people to know that this girl is now safe and is being properly cared for.
“The Department’s failure in this instance, as disappointing as it is, should not overshadow the great work done by the overwhelming majority of child protection workers every day of the week.
“With 35,000 notifications of child abuse each year and with over 6,600 children already in out of home care the pressure on our staff is huge. The real answer of course lies in parents doing the right thing in the first place and providing their children with a safe and loving home,” Ms Boyle said.
Ends
Media contact: 3224 7477
6 December 2006