00:00At the moment, the Department of Communities and Justice has been allocated $2 billion
00:06for the out-of-home care system specifically and there were some issues around cost that
00:12were found.
00:13It found that the system is currently slow to respond to some of the best interests of
00:18the children and it is effectively punishing them, their parents and their carers through
00:23things like poor policy implementation.
00:26It also found poor data management and ensuring that information, correct information, crucial
00:32information is given to foster parents.
00:35It also found fragmented delivery and services due to some of the significant inconsistencies
00:40as it said to how the DCJ is managing some of those service providers.
00:46So many issues and concerns were raised around the financial cost.
00:52What recommendations did this review make?
00:57The review essentially made 13 recommendations including things around financial transparency
01:03between providers and foster carers.
01:07Also boosting accountability in the outsource sector with regular audits, performance audits
01:12and cost audits.
01:14It also recommended timely and accurate information is given to foster carers and timely access
01:20to funding and support services where there were gaps found in that review.
01:25It also said that resources should be shifted from the current crisis driven approach to
01:31early intervention.
01:32There are many organisations that are working in early intervention and have been calling
01:36for more funding.
01:37We did hear from the government a little earlier.
01:39Here's what the Premier Chris Minns had to say.
01:42We take this report very seriously.
01:44Clearly a major reform is required and the government's considering this report.
01:49I understand we're considering it this afternoon in one of our budget cabinet meetings and
01:53we'll be reporting very soon.
01:55It's complex.
01:56I know a lot of governments have tried to put in the reforms and I'm not suggesting
02:00that anything other than altruism or the best interests of the child have driven to where
02:05we currently are.
02:06But we also can't deny that it's not working at the moment.
02:11Now the system is also facing workforce challenges there.
02:14The review said that urgent reform was needed to ensure that there is retention and recruitment.
Comments