Latest quarterly data shows strengthened capacity

Queensland’s Child Safety system continues to show steady improvement, despite increasing demand for its services. 

The latest quarterly data shows that despite a significant increase of more than 13,500 intakes over the past 12 months, the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women have maintained levels of performance compared with the previous reporting period.

Acting Child Safety Minister Craig Crawford said 747 more investigations were commenced on time compared to the same period last year. 

“The September 2018 quarterly data clearly shows that compared to the same time last year, we have seen improvements on almost all fronts despite a significant increase in demand,” he said.

“Our approach to improving the Child Safety system has been measured and focused, guided by the ten year Child Safety reform program “Supporting Families, Changing Futures”.

“The fact that our dedicated Child Safety staff have been able to maintain previous levels of performance in the face of this increase demonstrates that our measured approach is strengthening our capacity to deliver these important services.

“We are employing an additional 458 staff over three years from 2016-17, including 93 this financial year. 

“The extra frontline staff have led to average child safety officer caseloads falling to below 17, down from a high of 20 under the LNP.”

The significant improvements are complemented by Family and Child Connect services where more than 18,500 families are actively engaged and connected to the right support services, around 2,600 more since the same period last year. 

The latest Child Safety data including data on our most urgent cases can be found on this page: https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/childsafety/about-us/our-performance

ENDS 

Media contact: Cat Milton 0447 117 132