The Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) wishes to provide the community with accurate information in relation to recent statements made in the media.
Children are placed in the care of the Director based on specific circumstances. As outlined in Section 25 (2) of The Children Act 1998:
The court may only make a care order or supervision order if it is satisfied—
(a) that the child concerned is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm; and
(b) that the harm, or likelihood of harm, is attributable to—
(i) the care given to the child or likely to be given to him if the order were not made, not being what it would be reasonable to expect a parent to give him; or
(ii) the child’s being beyond parental control.
Prior to the Family Court placing a child in the care of the Director, an appropriate plan of care would have been developed. Individual case plans are specifically tailored to include the necessary therapeutic services as required based on the specific needs of the child and their family. The plan of care clearly outlines the expectations of DCFS, the child, the family, and any ancillary services. All service plans for children are routinely reviewed and updated.
While it is inappropriate to comment on a specific child in the care of the Director, we are constantly assessing every aspect of the operation of our programmes to ensure that we are providing support to the children, meeting their emotional needs and preserving their safety.