Commentary: Child Protection Inquiries: Where are the Voices of Children and Young People?

Abstract

Parliamentary Inquiries into the adequacy of child protection services, as well as best practice care and service delivery in child protection, have been a dominant feature of contemporary Australia in recent times. The direct voices of children and young people in such inquiries are usually missing, despite them being at the very centre of the child protection system and a range of government policies. In this paper we reflect upon this issue and consider why these voices are absent and what factors and barriers limit their inclusion. A review of relevant literature and empirical data indicates that the structures, agendas and processes of such Inquiries are intrinsically adult-oriented endeavours in which the contributions and inclusion of children and young people are not easily accommodated. Through adopting a shift in perspective, orientation and practice, the voices and experiences of children and young people can be included in child protection Inquiries that have critical implications for the quality of their lives and their life chances. Such inclusions uphold the rights of children and young people and support the implementation of government policy in practice.