An independent body designed to protect and support children in New South Wales’ child protection system is urgently needed, experts say, arguing current accountability mechanisms are failing.
On Thursday, First Nations, legal, child welfare and social service organisations formally launched a campaign calling for an independent Child Safety and Wellbeing Commission, which they say would offer a “trusted, independent avenue for complaints and concerns” for people interacting with the child protection system.
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Justice and Equity Centre chief executive Jonathon Hunyor said government intervention in the lives of children and families could be “traumatic and deeply harmful”.
“And when government holds both the power in the system and oversight of the system, child safety and family rights are at risk,” he said. “That’s why comprehensive, independent oversight is so crucial.”
