The number of substantiated child protection cases rose more
than 3,000 in the last year, according to preliminary figures
released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
(AIHW).
Child protection cases include instances where children have
been abused, neglected or harmed.
In 2001-02 there were 30,473 substantiated child protection
cases-an increase of more than 3,106 on the 27,367 cases in
2000-01. The rise was largely due to increases in New South Wales
and Queensland.
Child Protection Australia 2001-02: First national
results shows almost 138,000 allegations of child abuse and
neglect or harm were notified to State and Territory community
services departments in Australia during 2001-02.
There was also an increase in the number of children on care and
protection orders.
Co-author of the report, Ms Helen Johnstone, said 20,557
children were on care or protection orders in June 2002 compared
with 15,718 children in 1997.
'These figures seem to suggest there are a growing numbers of
children whose families are considered to be unable to provide
adequate care or protection for them.'
Overall, Indigenous children were over-represented in the child
protection system.
'The rate of Indigenous children on care and protection orders
was nearly six times the rate for other Australian children,' Ms
Johnstone said.
4 December 2002
Further information: Ms Helen Johnstone, AIHW,
tel. 02 6244 1157,
or 0407 915 851(mobile)
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, tel. 02 6244 1032
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications
Catalogue for details.