MEDIA RELEASE
JANUARY 13, 2009
Latest DoCS figures underline urgent need for action
The Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) says an alarming rise in
reports of suspected child abuse, revealed today by the NSW Department of
Community Services, reinforces the urgent need in NSW to implement reforms
recommended in Justice James Wood’s report into child protection.
Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, today announced there has been a
20 per cent increase in the number of after-hours crisis call-outs in the past 12
months.
ACWA CEO Andrew McCallum said the disturbing statistics are further evidence of
the pressing need for change, as called for by Justice Wood following his year-long
inquiry into the state’s child protection system.
“This is NSW’s third attempt at child protection reform,” Mr McCallum said.
“In 1992 we had the Usher Report, which was followed 10 years later by the Kibble
Committee Report. Despite the progress made as a result of these two reports, we
are still witnessing poor outcomes for children and families and the capacity of this
frail system to cater for the increase in demand is failing our children.
“We know the Wood Report cannot be implemented overnight and will take time, but
we must see a first step that takes us beyond the rhetoric and into phased plan of
action that incorporates well defined guidelines, timeframes and adequate
resources.”
Mr McCallum believes the Federal Government also has a significant role to play in
bringing about genuine reform, through its National Child Protection Framework.
“The Wood Report and the National Child Protection Framework collectively hold the
key to the systemic change we are looking for, if sustainable inroads are to be made
in the generational and socio-economic elements that drive child protection in NSW
and the nation,” he said.
Last month ACWA launched its campaign Child Protection: It’s Time For Action,
to ensure the spotlight remains firmly set on a new direction for child protection.
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As part of the campaign, ACWA is calling on the NSW Government to treat the non-
government sector as an equal partner in the reform process and to resist the
impulse to cherry pick Justice Wood’s 111 recommendations and implement the
report as a whole. It also wants to see a long term commitment from both sides of
politics.
The Association of Children's Welfare Agencies is the New South Wales peak
body representing non-government organisations providing services to
vulnerable children, young people and their families. The organisation has
been operating for 50 years and has more than 100 member agencies.
MEDIA CONTACTS
For interviews please contact:
For all other media enquiries please contact:
Andrew McCallum
Libby McCalman
CEO, ACWA
Communications Officer, ACWA
Mob: 0409 221 414
Mob: 0418 659 525
E: andrew@acwa.asn.au
E: libby@acwa.asn.au
Child Protection: It’s Time For Action
A safe childhood is every child’s right
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