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Parliamentary Questions


Question On Notice No. 650 asked in the Legislative Council on 24 March 2022 by Hon Nick Goiran

Question Directed to the: Leader of the House representing the Minister for Child Protection
Parliament: 41 Session: 1


Question

I refer to the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Independent Review Into The Department Of Communities’ Policies And Practices Into The Placement Of Children With Harmful Sexual Behaviours In Residential Care Settings, tabled on 15 September 2021, noting on page 30-32 it sets out that for residential care placements, the Department has a placement capacity of 117, with 91 residents, whereas funded Community Service Organisations are overflowing, having a placement capacity of 225 with 284 residents, and I ask:
(a) why is this the case;
(b) has the number of funded places for community sector organisations been increased to meet demand; and
(c) if no to (b), why not?

Answered on 10 May 2022

(a) Communities endeavours to make decisions that are trauma-informed, culturally safe, and in the best interests of children and focussed on meeting their safety and wellbeing needs. While a residential care facility may be able to accommodate up to four children in the metropolitan area and six to eight in regional WA, the children referred to these homes have often faced significant trauma and/or neglect. As a result, they may exhibit complex behaviours and may be a risk to other children or residents and may be housed alone or with limited other residents. Unoccupied beds would not be considered vacancies in these situations. 

(b) – (c) There has been no increase in the 225 contracted group home placements provided by funded Community Service Organisations. Under certain circumstances, additional placements are funded on an ad hoc basis.