1. Child Protection Service Delivery Reforms in Queensland 2004-2008 Lessons learnt and future directions Lone Keast Director, Strategic Policy and Research Branch

2. Child Protection Service Delivery Reforms in Queensland 2004-2008 Crime and Misconduct Commission 2003 Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Foster Care in Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission Report 2004 Protecting Children: An Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Foster Care Adoption of recommendations and substantial reform Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Views of Children in Care Surveys 2006 and 2007

3. Child Protection Service Delivery Reforms in Queensland 2004-2008 machinery of government changes a Child Guardian role for the Children’s Commissioner strengthened legislation strengthened information sharing and service delivery coordination provisions a partnerships approach, recognising that ‘child protection is everyone’s business’

4. Child Protection Service Delivery Reforms in Queensland 2004-2008 Referral for Active Intervention More frontline child safety staff Increased number and diversity of placements Evolve Interagency Services treatment for emotional and behavioural problems

5. Where to next? Implementation of all 110 CMC recommendations - 22 March 2007 Record budget commitment New strategic direction to strengthen child safety services : - our people; - our practice; - our partnerships; and - placements for children in care

6. Our People Staff profile Coordinated approach to staff retention Review of the Child Safety Practice Manual Frontline Work Analysis and Job Design project Inaugural Practice Excellence Awards in November 2008 Accountability through Systems and Practice Reviews

7. Our Practice Practice framework to achieve quality outcomes for children and young people

8. Our Practice One Chance at Childhood program Adoption Transition from care Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people Amendments to the Child Protection Act 1999

9. Our Partnerships Planning and Partnerships Program Child Protection Partnership Forum Child Safety Directors’ Network Child Safety Innovators Group

10. Placements for children in care Foster and Kinship Carer Recruitment Campaign Foster and Kinship Care Support Line Placement Coordination Units

11. What did we learn? Time is needed to realise the outcomes of change Change takes more than changing legislation, policy and procedure Accountability mechanisms takes time and resources Improved early intervention programs to target known parental risk factors

12. Questions Lone Keast Director, Strategic Policy and Research Branch