Protecting Victoria's children : the role of the Department of Human Services
Overview
Community concern for the protection of children in Victoria has increased in recent years in response to an intense media focus and a growing community awareness of child abuse and neglect. A number of government entities make a significant contribution to the protection of children in Victoria. The protection of children is also dependent upon the services provided by many non-government welfare agencies. In recent years, the child protection system has experienced a number of major changes including the transfer, in 1992, of primary responsibility for the protection of children to the Department of Human Services and the introduction in 1993 of mandatory reporting. During this time, resources available for the provision of child protection services have been severely stretched in coping with very large increases in notifications of abuse and neglect, coupled with a high turnover of protective services staff. This Report deals with the important responsibilities of the Department of Human Services in the subject area, the role of Victoria Police and its relationship with the Department, and the adequacy of placement and support arrangements (including services provided by non-government agencies) for children and their families in the State. The emerging significance from a national viewpoint to ensuring effective protection of children from abuse and neglect was reinforced by an agreement reached between Australian and State Governments in April 1996 on a National Strategy To Combat Child Abuse.