Child protection inquiry to hold forums in Ballina, Lismore
Member for Ballina and Shadow Minister for North Coast Don Page today urged members of the community who have dealt with DoCS to voice any concerns or issues they have at the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services.
There will be a public forum in Ballina at the RSL Club between 2pm-4pm on Wednesday 26th March.
The following day there will also be a forum in Lismore from 1.30pm-3.30pm at the Lismore Workers Club.
“With 114 children dying last year who were known to the NSW child protection system, it is essential that improvements be made to the operation of the Department of Community Services,” Mr Page said.
“I encourage people who have concerns with DoCS to come forward and make a submission to the Wood Inquiry.
“If we are to understand the failures in our current child protection system we need input from members of the public to share their experiences.”
Mr Page said some of the terms of reference for the inquiry are:
The system for reporting of child abuse and neglect;
Management of reports, including the adequacy and efficiency of systems and processes for intake, assessment, prioritisation, investigation and decision-making;
Management of cases requiring ongoing work, including referrals for services and monitoring and supervision of families;
Recording of essential information and capacity to collate and utilise data about the child protection system to target resources efficiently;
The adequacy of arrangements for inter-agency co-operation in child protection cases.
People wishing to attend the inquiry are encouraged to register their interest by calling the Special Commission of Inquiry on 1800 442 819.
Further details about the inquiry are available at www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/cpsinquiry
