Submission to NSW Government Inquiry about Child Protection and Social Services System

The APS acknowledges the ubiquitous nature of child neglect and abuse and the associated long-term effects that it can have on individuals and families. The negative impact of exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is cumulative and exposure to particular types of ACEs at critical developmental points in childhood and adolescence is predictive of specific mental health diagnoses and involvement in the criminal justice system

The current system is failing children and their families and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the weaknesses in the system and led to an increase in demand for services.

The APS is concerned that the psychological factors underlying child abuse are important and require greater attention and resourcing to effectively support families and the wider community. 

The APS recognises the need for a whole of government approach to child safety where federal government is actively involved in state and territory government approaches to child safety.

The system requires fundamental reform, including reform to funding, evaluation, and monitoring. Evaluating program outcomes and ensuring evidence-based strategies are employed is necessary to reduce the incidence and prevalence of child abuse, ensuring children get the right care they need to be safe and to have the trauma addressed.

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