The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recently released their 2014-15 report on Child Protection in Australia (“the report”) which contained some alarming results.

Some of the findings included:

• 1 in 35 children received child protection service, with 73% being repeat clients;
• There was a 6% rise over the last 12 months from 143,023 in 2013-14 children to 151,980 in 2014-15;
• There were 43,400 children in out-of-home care at 30 June 2015;
• There were over 48,700 children on a care and protection Order at 30 June 2015;
• During 2014-15 there were 12,948 foster carer household and 18,401 relative/kinship carer household with a placement; and
• Emotional abuse and neglect were the most common primary and co-occurring types of substantiated abuse and neglect.

Whilst the report found that most protective orders emanated from the Department of Health and Human Services involvement and potentially the Children’s Court, the Family Court of Australia has jurisdiction to order that a child live with a non-parent and make other protective Orders if the Court has concerns for the safety of a child.

There are many processes in place to protect children’s physical and emotional safety including Intervention Orders, involving the Department of Health and Human Services and injunctions from the Family Court of Australia.

If you are concerned with the safety of a child in your partners care or if you are a non-parent with safety concerns of a child who you have a relationship with, it is important that you see a Family Lawyer or support service who can explain the relevant steps and avenues that can be taken to ensure the child’s physical and emotional safety.