All children in New South Wales have the right to a safe, healthy and happy childhood.

But every year, the equivalent of 423 bus loads of children who need support are ignored. A recent report by not-for-profit organisation FAMS sheds light on this crisis. And the report sets out clear recommendations for policy reform.

The crisis

The report entitled Investing in Children and Families has unearthed some disturbing facts. Every year in NSW alone, 30,000 children who are at risk do not receive the support that they need. These are children and young people who have been assessed by FACS as being at risk of significant harm. Yet their cases are closed before anyone has contact these children or their families. The report gives evidence that the current system is failing these children and families who fall through the cracks.

The report has also shown that too many at-risk children end up in out-of-home care. And every year, the number of children in out-of-home care increases, as does government expenditure on this service, now totalling $671,500,000.

Not only are costs increasing, but this spending does not necessarily provide children with the support that they need. By comparison, only $117,429,000 is allocated to intervention and prevention in the form of family services.

A need for reform

While Investing in Children and Families identifies the current failings of our system to support children who are at risk, it also suggests what needs to change: there needs to be a greater investment of resources into early intervention and prevention.

Preventative measures would better ensure vulnerable children and families get the support they need, when they need it. It would also keep more children safely at home rather than in out-of-home care. Children need to receive a targeted response on their first risk of significant harm report.

The report argues for a need for increased government spending in intervention and prevention, into the services themselves and the workforce. Human service work is some of the hardest work that the government funds. The sector needs to be able to attract and retain skilled staff in difficult and low paid jobs.

 Every year in NSW alone, 30,000 children who are at risk do not receive the support that they need.

Our involvement

FAMS proposes that FACS works together with other organisations in the sector. Together, these bodies can fund, adopt and measure a new and improved service model based on prevention. 

The Benevolent Society is joining the call for system reforms. We’re partnering with FAMS and other peak child and family organisations to deliver the supports that children and families need. Since the report, FAMS is now preparing its strategy. 

We believe that the only way to get a better outcome for vulnerable children is by banding together to achieve this common goal.