Qld: Report uncovers abuse in foster care

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2003
Qld: Report uncovers abuse in foster care

An audit of Queensland's foster care system has found allegations of physical and sexual
abuse against 98 children weren't properly investigated by government officers.

The state government ordered the audit of the Families Department in June after reports
of abuse in a foster home north of Brisbane.

Conductor of the audit, child protection expert GWENN MURRAY, says an examination of
1,060 child protection notifications has found only one in seven was handled adequately.

The report calls for major reforms, including a change of policy back to residential
homes rather than carer placements.

Families Minister JUDY SPENCE says as the audit progressed the government removed 20
children from seven foster families.

Premier PETER BEATTIE admits the report is an indictment on his government, but he
is committed to fixing problems in the system.

He says the cabinet budget review committee will meet tomorrow to examine a response
to the report.

AAP RTV pjo/sc/lma/rp

KEYWORD: FOSTER (BRISBANE)

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