Kids at Risk

The Federal Government needs to review the Baby Bonus, I feel since the Baby Bonus was introduced by the Howard Government it has created an influx of children into the care of the State Governments. As people are having children who are unable to care for or afford them because of the financial incentive which the Federal Government is offering to have children. The money would be far better used in services for parents in need ie, Early Intervention, Parenting Courses, Medical Assistance, Education and Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation for parents who are affected. As there is not enough money going into these services.

I live in a rural setting where I personally know and see a number of families where parental drug abuse ipacts heavily on the family. After candid conversations with some of these people it seems to me that the parents themselves are aware of the impact drug addiction has upon their families but they feel there is nowhere for them to turn for help. This is due to the fear that there will be legal ramifications (Arrest for drug use) and or they will loose their kids if they dare even hint they have a problem. My point is the parent fear seeking help and this barrier must be broken!

Where were the foster carers on this programme? My family is in the 10% of carers that offer our child in care our complete love and support. We give our child the same love we give our children. We have been blessed to have this person in our lives. We need to investigate more fully why children are experiencing so many different homes and institutions. Every time we move a child we break their spirit. Children should be removed as soon as possible but shifting them from location to location is simply abuse at a Government level. One day a child in care will successfully sue the dept for their role in that child's neglect and abuse. It will be a day of truth for many children.

As a case worker in WA and I see many faults in the system on so many levels. THe most striking every day is the lack of time to deal with every child on my load effectively. There are simply not enough hours in the day And lets not even begin to discuss the paperwork that is required. I work really hard to have a good relationship with my kids in care but it is seriously time consuming and emotionally draining. We have recently had a stop work meeting demanding to be adequately paid for a high risk and really stressful job. I would settle for the same amount of money - but twice as many staff! I go home most nights stressed about everything I didn't get to do today. So many people are quick to criticise staff but how many want to be part of a solution? Child Protection is a whole of community responsibility!

Excellent program, especially interested in the Victorian approach. You didn't mention the cases where children have been wrongfully removed from families.

The Department of Community Services is struggling with the Responsibility of caring for the children in their care.

One thing I have not heard discussed to date is the baby bonus brought in that forgot that this would be a disaster for young foolish people that thought $3000 then $4000