CHILDREN IN CARE —
TEMPORARY EMERGENCY PLACEMENTS
986. Hon NICK GOIRAN to the Leader of the House representing
the Minister for Child Protection:
I refer to the WAtoday article of 8 September 2020 titled '''Into
the fire': The WA government took eight kids from their parents and put
them here''.
(1) Has the
minister received an updated briefing about this case since it came to public
attention?
(2) Is the
minister satisfied that the types of conditions referred to in the article have
been remedied for these children in care?
(3) What date
did this temporary emergency placement begin, and by what date does the
government intend to move the children out of it?
(4) Will the
minister table the documents that govern the minimum requirements for —
(a) the
suitability of properties for emergency temporary placements; and
(b) contracting
suitable care for emergency temporary placements?
Hon SUE ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
(1) Yes.
(2) Yes. The
Department of Communities has met with the service provider to discuss the
issues raised.
(3) The
Department of Communities is unable to comment on individual cases involving
children and young people.
(4) The suitability of a property and/or provider is
assessed on a case-by-case basis in response to the individual
circumstances of the child and/or family. When concerns are raised regarding
the condition of a property, the Department of Communities visits the property
to satisfy itself that the conditions and standards of care provided to the
children are appropriate and adequate. This assessment includes speaking to the
children involved to see whether they have any concerns or worries. When
property maintenance issues are identified, appropriate action is taken.