NSW child deaths report finds a fifth were known to protection services
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Version 0 of 1. A New South Wales ombudsman report has found almost 20% of children who died in the state have a background with child protection services. A study of causes of death of all children between 2002-2011 released on Thursday has found those with child protection histories also have a higher mortality rate than children who haven’t. The mortality rate is higher still for particular causes of death such as assault, fire and suicide. The findings, by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, are in one of two reports released by the NSW ombudsman, Bruce Barbour, that outline the need for further improvements of child protection services. “Reducing child deaths relies on the ability to effectively identify and target relevant prevention strategies to those who are most at risk,” said Barbour. “The research has helped the team to distinguish where further work is needed to identify where, and how, prevention strategies ought to be targeted.” The second report found some improvements have occurred in child support services in NSW, which have been subject to heavy criticism, but the ombudsman said there was still a need for further changes. “Despite some encouraging developments, including more face-to-face contact, increased caseworker numbers in some areas and improvements to practice and reporting, there is still more that needs to be done,” Barbour said. The report also recommended the need for more effective services for local communities. “Systems need to be developed and tailored to suit the place they are being delivered and the people receiving them,” Barbour said. “This is particularly important in high-need communities.” |