NAKITA RONTO
According to the Commission for Children and Young People’s annual report, there has been 189 alleged incidents of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children.
18 per cent of children in residential care homes are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.
Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People Andrew Jackomos, has had more than 30 years experience in the Aboriginal affairs policy and administration.
He is able to provide advice to government and service providers regarding policies that will safely promote the well being of Aboriginal children.
Mr Jackomos said that children are being kept in out-of-home care systems for way to long.
“Our children enter out-of-home care too early and remain in the system too long,” Mr Jackomos said.
“A system that only adds or creates trauma,
“This is unacceptable,” he said.
The Department of Social Services would not provide a statement, however in a written report they review some recommendations to help reduce these acts of violence and sexual abuse.
It said that the Council of Australian Government should include a third action plan between 2015 and 2018 implementing National Standards for out-of-home care at a local level.
The Department also recommends the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare work to address data gaps in Child Protection, and data sets for children in out-of-home care.