Question On Notice No. 2491 asked in the Legislative Council on 18 September 2019 by Hon Nick Goiran
Question Directed to the: Leader of the House representing the Minister for Child Protection
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Tabled Paper No: 3310-
View tabled paper
Question
I refer to the Minister’s comments on the "Capel baby death" reported by the ABC on 12 September 2019, and I ask:
(a) was this tragic case the genesis for the development of the High Risk Infant Policy;
(b) on what date was the High Risk Infant Policy approved;
(c) will the Minister table a copy of the High Risk Infant Policy; and
(d) will the Minister table a copy of a safety plan?
Answered on 23 October 2019
(a) The Department of Communities (Communities) developed a policy position and practice guidance on assessing and responding to high-risk infants in response to the recommendations of the Ombudsman of Western Australia, following reviews of infant death cases between 2014 and 2018.
(b) In September 2018, Communities endorsed the entry regarding ‘High-risk infants’ to its Casework Practice Manual.
(c) Yes [Please see tabled paper no.] for Chapter 2.2.16 of the Casework Practice Manual.
(d) It is not appropriate to table a copy of a safety plan as they contain private and confidential client information, which may lead to the identification of the child and other individuals.
[Please see tabled paper no.] for information on safety planning Chapter 2.2.13 of the Casework Practice Manual.