CHILD safety data shows more families are accessing support services to keep their children healthy and safe.
December quarterly data showed Family and Child Connect had received 31,342 enquiries in the year ending 31 December 2021 and more than 9000 families had been helped by either Intensive Family Support or Family Wellbeing Services.
“It’s also worthwhile noting that the number of children being placed with kin has increased to 46.6%,” minister for children Leanne Linard said.
“Child safety investigations increased by almost 12% to 30,375 compared to the year before, which is 3204 more investigations in 2021.
“For investigations with a 24-hour priority, 94% of these commenced on time.”
Ms Linard said while the number of children requiring care rose to 11,260 as of 31 December 2021, the latest data shows that growth is continuing to slow at 4%, compared to 4.4% for the year ending in September 2021 and at 5.1% in the year ending June 2021.
“When a family can’t care for their children safely at home, Queenslanders are stepping up and becoming foster and kinship carers,” she said.
“I’m delighted to see that 1596 new families are first-time carers. These families are making a positive impact on our most vulnerable children.”
Ms Linard said that Queensland’s child protection system continues to work with families dealing with complex needs, with the current data showing Ice continues to have the most impact on the system.
“Unfortunately, 40.1% of children who came into the care of the department in the 12 months to 31 December 2021 had a parent with current or previous methamphetamine use,” she said.
“Although this figure is down slightly from 41.7% a year ago, Ice is still having a heartbreaking impact on Queensland families.”
Child Safety investigations found three out of every four households where abuse had or was at risk of occurring, parents experienced a significant risk factor, like current or past alcohol or drug abuse (63%), mental illness (54%) or recent experience of domestic and family violence (49%).
“I want parents and carers to know that support is always available to keep their children safe, and their families healthy and thriving,” Ms Linard said.
