How a Queensland child died homeless and hungry after living out of a box

The Failing Residential Care System: A Call for Comprehensive Reform

The report on Queensland’s residential care system reveals a stark reality: many young people are not receiving the essential elements of care they require. Love, safety, and stability are fundamental needs that the current system is failing to meet. This failure is not just a matter of policy but a profound issue of human care and dignity. The report highlights that the residential care system is inadequate, leaving many children without the nurturing environment they deserve. This introductory paragraph sets the stage by underscoring the critical shortcomings of the system and the urgent need for reform.

Recommendations for a More Compassionate System

The report outlines nine key recommendations aimed at transforming the child protection system into a more compassionate and effective entity. Central to these recommendations is the need for the system to adopt a more parental role, ensuring that children feel cared for and supported. Mental health support is a critical area addressed, with the report emphasizing that all children in care should have access to necessary services. Currently, some referrals are closed if children do not actively engage, a practice that must be revisited. By focusing on these recommendations, the system can begin to address the gaps in care that have contributed to the failing support structure for vulnerable children.

The Alarming Rise in Residential Care Numbers

The number of children in residential care in Queensland has seen a concerning increase, rising from 951 in June 2019 to 1763 in June 2023. This growth highlights the expanding need for support services, but it also points to the system’s struggle to meet this demand effectively. Of the 70 deaths reviewed, 29 were due to natural causes, while five resulted from assault and neglect, and six were suicides. These statistics are heartbreaking and stress the urgency for systemic change. Indigenous children are disproportionately affected, with at least 27 cases, and 45 children under the age of nine. These numbers underscore the susceptibility of young and Indigenous children to systemic failures, making immediate action imperative.

Systemic Flaws and the Lack of Parental Care

Luke Twyford, chair of the Child Death Review Board, has unequivocally stated that the design of the system is flawed. He points out that while there are dedicated workers, the system’s structure is inadequate. Children are often shuffled through placements, leading to a loss of stability and care. Twyford emphasizes that the system must evolve to provide a loving and caring parental role, rather than just managing transactions and documentation. The root cause lies in the absence of genuine care within the system, which has forgotten how to nurture and support its most vulnerable members. Addressing these design flaws is crucial to preventing further harm and ensuring children receive the care they need.

The Underlying Causes of System Entry

The report identifies domestic and family violence, methamphetamine use, and housing instability as key factors leading children into the child protection system. These issues are deeply intertwined with societal challenges, making it clear that the solution requires more than just internal reforms. Twyford calls for increased prevention services to tackle the root causes, aiming to identify and address why children enter the system. By understanding and mitigating these factors, the government can work towards reducing the number of children needing residential care and improving outcomes for those who do.

The Urgent Need for Preventive Measures and Systemic Change

Twyford’s call for more prevention services is a critical step towards reform. The state government must prioritize these services to address the underlying issues driving children into care. This approach aligns with the broader need for systemic change highlighted by the report. The government’s prompt action is essential to prevent further tragedies and ensure that the system truly serves the best interests of the children. The conclusion reinforces the necessity of moving beyond policies to create a system that genuinely cares, providing the love, safety, and stability that every child deserves. This requires a collective effort to reform the system and ensure that no child is left behind.