Adopt Change welcomes release of NSW Government report and intention to target support for vulnerable children and young people
Adopt Change welcomes release of NSW Government report and intention to target support for vulnerable children and young people
Adopt Change CEO Renée Carter welcomes comments made by Family and Community Services Minister Gareth Ward regarding the Forecasting Future Outcomes report released on Friday 5 July. The report identifies vulnerable groups among children and young people, and highlighted the poor social outcomes and future support costs needed to assist each group.
Australia, 8th July, 2019: In response to Minister Ward’s comments regarding the findings of the NSW Government Forecasting Future Outcomes report, Adopt Change CEO Renée Carter highlights the critical issues facing vulnerable and displaced children and young people.
“There are currently stadium-sized numbers of Australian children and young people in statutory care who have experienced trauma. While it is known that there are direct impacts for these children on their life outcomes, this report provides clear data for NSW, evidencing the need to act early and provide better outcomes for children and families. We welcome Minister Ward’s comments regarding the findings, in particular regarding a child’s interactions with the child-protection system having a profound impact on their life. This is something we have been highlighting for some time, and we welcome proposed improvements to the social services sector to better accommodate the needs of this vulnerable cohort,” says Carter.
Carter adds that according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2018b), children and young people who have received child protection services are considered to be nine times more likely than the general population to have had engagement with juvenile justice. Furthermore, the outcomes for children and young people who have experienced trauma and impermanency are well documented, with many ageing out of state care at eighteen and into homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues. This report outlines the direct links between social outcomes and vulnerable children, young people and families. The findings will assist in driving improved targeting of services such as early intervention.
“We need better supports and services in place to assist our most vulnerable – not just for the immediate benefits, but also for reducing intergenerational issues and improving long-term life outcomes. We need to prioritise the wellbeing of our children and young people to enable them to live, grow, learn and play with safety, nurture and stability.” says Carter.
For more information on Adopt Change and its work towards ensuring all children have access to a safe, nurturing and permanent family home and supporting families to thrive, visit www.adoptchange.org.au.
