Queensland’s child protection measures are below acceptable levels, a new self-assessment reveals.
An online assessment of the state’s child protection system released on Friday by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian released shows it falls short in three categories.
They were reducing caseload backlogs, meeting the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and helping children transition out of care and into independence.
Of 10 categories, the department only gave itself top marks in providing safe out-of-home care for vulnerable children.
The other six categories, including education, health and successful reunions with family, were only rated as average.
Child Safety Minister Tracy Davis has attributed the shortcomings to the former Labor government.
She said the new Liberal National Party government would strengthen child protection services.
“That is why we are launching an inquiry into the child protection system, which will identify the shortcomings that need to be urgently addressed and help chart a course for the next decade and beyond to help strengthen Queensland families,” she said in a statement.