KIDS in out-of-home care should have access to an independent complaints authority which can report to parliament, the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People says. Login or signup to continue reading It must be genuinely accessible, Advocate Zoe Robinson says, calling on the NSW Government to invest in independent socio-legal advocacy services. That's what's needed to support and empower children and young people with out-of-home-care experiences to advocate for their 'fundamental needs' to be met and their rights upheld, Ms Robinson said.
That was one of four recommendations made in her final report into high-cost emergency arrangements (HCEAs) within the NSW child protection system released on Monday (August 5) after an inquiry launched in September, 2023. Those types of accommodation, including hotels and motels, have been used increasingly in recent years when a child is removed from their family. By the end of June, 2023, there were about 500 children and young people in HCEAs across NSW, including 26 in hotels and motels, 37 in serviced apartments and 55 in short-term rentals including caravan parks.
This can cost upwards of $2 million a year for each child; more than $38,000 a week. In comparison, a child in foster care costs a maximum of $74,000 per year. "It is my view that the children and young people placed in ACAs are at significant risk of experiencing negative short and long-term impacts, which can lead to further complexities as they grow and develop," Ms .