Abstract:

The Department of Community Services has released a major discussion paper and a summary of key issues in relation to the Children (Care and Protection) Act. In this article NCOSS members highlight areas that require additional examination, such as whether children should be protected against discrimination and whether assistance from the state should be monitored against standards. The authors also state that services for children need to comply with quality standards and be monitored by an independent body. The report provides some discussion of disability issues, with more comment needed on areas such as: accommodation alternatives; interagency cooperation; detection, notification and interviewing; and the impact of disability upon families with regard to child protection.