Child protection inquiry: Royal commission starts work in SA
A royal commission on South Australia's child protection system has called for submissions as it starts its formal investigations.
Headed by former Supreme Court justice Margaret Nyland, the inquiry will investigate the adequacy of child protection laws, as well as procedures, staff training and the handling of complaints by government agency Families SA.
The investigation was announced after allegations surfaced that a Families SA carer sexually abused seven toddlers in his care.
The royal commissioner hopes both individuals and organisations will come forward with information on how well child protection systems have operated.
"I encourage anyone who believes they have information which may assist this important inquiry into the current child protection systems to contact us as soon as is practicable," she said.
"Submissions can be made electronically via the form which can be found on our website, or in writing by post.
"The submissions which we receive will assist us in determining what evidence will be required in future hearings."
Ms Nyland said the submissions deadline was the end of January and people could not submit anonymous claims, but they could be kept confidential.
Submissions need to address at least one of the topics outlined in the royal commission's terms of reference:
The adequacy of existing laws, policies, practices and procedures in place to protect children at risk of harm, including those adopted by Families SA and other agencies;
Improvements which might be made to current practices and procedures of Families SA and other relevant agencies;
The means by which a child who may be at risk of harm is brought to the attention of relevant authorities and assessment of whether a child is at risk;
Whether the environment into which a child is put, either short or long term, is safe; and
The assessment, management, training and supervision of those working and volunteering with children.
The full terms of reference can be found at www.childprotectionroyalcommission.sa.gov.au
