The findings and recommendations of Coronial inquiries into the deaths of two children, who passed away three and five years ago respectively, will be closely considered by the Department of Health and Families (DHF) and the operational recommendations (paragraph 270 nos. 9-14, and paragraph 158 respectively) used to inform its submissions to the Inquiry into the Child Protection System in the Northern Territory.
The Coroner's reports were handed down today. DHF Chief Executive, Dr David Ashbridge, said he felt confident that the Coroner's recommendations would have a positive impact on child protection practices.
"The Inquiry into the Child Protection System is aimed at strengthening and improving the NT child protection system for the benefit of the Northern Territory's children.
"Under the terms of reference (attached) the Inquiry will consider the findings and recommendations of recent Coronials and other investigations into child protection issues.
"It is appropriate that today's Coronial reports are referred to this Inquiry which is headed by a board comprising the NT Children's Commissioner and two highly regarded interstate experts. The Inquiry was established by the Government late in 2009," Dr Ashbridge said.
"I wish to note that the events surrounding the care of these two young people have caused deep distress to many people in the community, including family members and child protection workers involved with the cases.
"I again offer the Department's condolences to the families and friends of the two deceased. These tragic matters fully deserved thorough Coronial investigation. I commend the Coroner for his work and assure the community that the Department takes the issues raised very seriously.
Dr Ashbridge said a range of DHF staff had cooperated fully with the two inquiries.
"Staff working in the child protection system often work under enormous pressure dealing with very complex cases and in stressful circumstances.
"I would like to give my support to staff working in the child protection system and thank them for the dedication and professionalism they bring to their work. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those staff who provided evidence and responded to questions at the two Coronial inquiries," Dr Ashbridge said.
"The NT child protection system is already performing better than in the past, and a range of significant improvements can be expected in future.
"The NT Government has invested an additional $49 million in child protection since 2004/2005, bringing the annual budget allocation to $90 million in 2009/2010. An additional 69 child protection service positions have been established since 2005. Additional training has been provided to staff and new procedures put in place to improve the quality of services provided by child protection staff.
"The Department will continue to build and strengthen its workforce capability to respond to the increasing demand for child care and protection services.
"We are currently recruiting nationally for additional senior child protection workers.
I am committed to supporting staff to meet legislative obligations with the further allocation of child protection positions and the provision of additional training for child protection staff," Dr Ashbridge said.
<<ends>>
INQUIRY INTO THE CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM
IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Northern Territory Chief Minister and Minister for Children and Families have commissioned a Board of Inquiry to conduct a broad ranging public inquiry under the Inquiries Act into the Northern Territory's child protection system.
The purpose of the inquiry is to review the child protection system and to make recommendations to strengthen and improve the system to enable it to meet the needs of the Northern Territory's children.
Specifically, the inquiry is to report and make recommendations on:
the functioning of the current child protection system including the roles and responsibilities of Northern Territory Families and Children and other service providers involved in child protection
specific approaches to address the needs of Territory children in the child protection system, including the delivery of child protection services in regional and remote areas as part of the development of A Working Future
support systems and operational procedures for all workers engaged in child protection, in particular staff retention and training
quality, sustainability and strategic directions of out of home care programs including support systems for foster parents, carers and families
the interaction between government departments and agencies involved in child protection, care and safety and non-Government organisations and other groups involved in the protection, care and safety of children.
The inquiry will consider and where appropriate incorporate:
findings and recommendations arising from recent coronials and other recent investigations, reviews and inquiries into the functioning of the child protection system
child protection issues and developments at the local, national and international level and its implications for the Northern Territory.
The inquiry is encouraged to draw on the advice and expertise of existing NT Government advisory councils, as well as other subject matter experts within the broader community.
The inquiry's consultation processes should be conducted publicly, unless people or organisations contributing to the inquiry request that their contribution remain confidential.
TIMEFRAME
The Board of Inquiry must provide their report to the Chief Minister by 25 April 2010.
The report of the Board of Inquiry must be tabled in the Legislative Assembly within 3 sitting days following receipt of the report by the Chief Minister.
This document is available online at:
Release date: 19 January 2010
