Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-g7gxr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-13T04:05:22.207Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Playing it safe? Opportunity is knocking!

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 February 2014

Chris-Maree Sultmann*
Affiliation:
Encompass Family and Community, Camp Hill, Queensland, Australia
*
address for correspondence: Chris-Maree Sultmann, Encompass Family and Community, 11 Brown Street, Camp Hill, Queensland, 4152, Australia. E-mail: csultmann@efac.com.au

Abstract

Has child protection in Queensland suffered from a risk-averse approach? The recent Child Protection Commission of Inquiry found that a risk-averse culture was one contributing factor to systemic failure in the State’s child protection system. Somewhat paradoxically, such an approach to child protection work can bring its own risks for children and young people. This commentary considers this and asks us to consider what a less risk-averse approach might look like in practice.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2014 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Cashmore, J., & Paxman, M. (2007). Longitudinal study of wards leaving care: Four to five years on. Sydney: Social Policy Research Centre and NSW Department of Community Services.Google Scholar
Cashmore, J., & Paxman, M. (1996). Wards leaving care: A longitudinal study. Sydney: Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales and NSW Department of Community Services.Google Scholar
Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (2012). The Blue Card system and child protection in Queensland. Retrieved from http://www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/pdf/bluecard/publications/Blue-Card-and-Child-Protection-updated-figures.pdfGoogle Scholar
Fernandez, E. (1996). Significant harm: Unravelling child protection decisions and substitute care careers of children. Perspectives of child welfare workers and biological parents. Aldershot: Avebury.Google Scholar
Lopez-Alegria, M. (2012). Neil Armstrong tribute, Radio National Breakfast, Monday 27 August, 7.39 a.m.Google Scholar
Munro, E. (2011). The Munro Review of Child Protection: Final report – a child-centred system. London: UK Department for Education.Google Scholar
Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel. (2013). Child Protection Act 1999. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/C/ChildProtectA99.pdfGoogle Scholar
QCPCI (Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry). 2013. Taking responsibility: A roadmap for Queensland child protection. Brisbane: Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry. Retrieved June 2013 from www.childprotectioninquiry.qld.gov.auGoogle Scholar
SCRGSP (Steering Committee for Review of Government Service Provision). (2013). Report on Government Services 2013. Canberra: Productivity Commission, Australian Government.Google Scholar
Thomson, J., & Thorpe, R. (2003). The importance of parents in the lives of children in the care system. Children Australia, 28 (2), 2531.Google Scholar
Thoburn, J., Robinson, J., & Anderson, B. (2012). Returning children home from public care. Research Briefing 42, Social Care Institute for Excellence, United Kingdom.Google Scholar