THE ACT Government today released its response to the controversial Public Advocate’s report into emergency residential placements of children.

As part of the response, the government has announced it will establish a group home and reception centre to minimise the disruption for children being placed in emergency out-of-home care, introduce a new decision-making review panel for decisions about children and carers, and negotiate a pay bonus to aid retention of frontline care and protection workers.

“The response shows that the Minister and the Community Services Directorate have taken on board the need for major changes to the systems and culture within which staff in the Office of Children and Young People operate, which was the thrust of the our recommendations,” ACT Public Advocate Anita Phillips said.

“The Interim Report revealed that all staff, from caseworkers to senior management were struggling to cope with the workload and pressures in such a complex environment. They deserve government support and changes that will facilitate their operations.”

The complaints unit and a decision-making review panel will provide opportunities for the review of the integrity
of significant decisions made about children and young people and services.

Membership of the panel will include a mix of senior management and external independent representatives who have experience in a range of issues dealt with by the Office for Children Youth and Family Support, including out of home care, child protection and youth justice.

The Public Advocate will undertake the next stage of her review, with a broader audit of the care and protection system by the Auditor-General, early in the new year.