Protecting Victoria's Vulnerable Children Inquiry

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Extension granted for vulnerable children inquiry

Wednesday, 21 September 2011

Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge today announced that, at the Inquiry panel’s request, the reporting date for the Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry has been extended to 27 January 2012.

The inquiry was launched by Premier Ted Baillieu on 31 January 2011 to comprehensively investigate systemic problems in Victoria’s child protection system and make recommendations to strengthen and improve protection and support.

Child Protection Inquiry hears Submissions in Melbourne

Tuesday, 28 June 2011

The Inquiry into child protection has begun holding its metropolitan Public Sittings, with Sittings in Melbourne on 28 June and 5 July as part of its consultations with the community.

The Inquiry Panel, composed of Hon Philip Cummins (Chair), Emeritus Professor Dorothy Scott OAM and Mr Bill Scales AO, will be hearing verbal Submissions from organisations and individuals. Written Submissions formally closed on 29 April 2011.

The Melbourne Public Sittings will be followed by Sittings in the other metropolitan locations of Broadmeadows, Werribee and Dandenong. The Inquiry has also commenced its regional consultations by holding Sittings in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Morwell and Mildura, and will hold Sittings in other regional cities.

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Child Protection Inquiry starts Regional Sittings

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

The Inquiry into child protection has begun holding Public Sittings across regional Victoria as part of its extensive community consultation, starting in Geelong today.

The Chair of the Inquiry, former Supreme Court Judge the Hon. Philip Cummins said it is proposed that the Geelong Public Sitting will be followed over the next two to three months by Sittings in Ballarat, Bendigo, Morwell, Shepparton and in metropolitan locations such as Melbourne, Broadmeadows, Dandenong and Werribee.

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Child Protection Inquiry calls for Submissions

Monday, 28 February 2011

The Inquiry into child protection has invited written submissions and outlined the processes the Inquiry will follow, at its first public meeting in Melbourne today.

The Chair of the Inquiry, former Supreme Court Judge the Hon. Philip Cummins, said the written submissions were being invited from organisations and individuals concerned with child protection in Victoria.

The Protecting Victoria's Vulnerable Children Inquiry was established by the Victorian Government to develop recommendations to reduce the incidence and negative impact of child neglect and abuse in Victoria.

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The Inquiry into child protection has invited written submissions and outlined the processes the Inquiry will follow, at its first public meeting in Melbourne today.

The Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry was established by the Victorian Government to develop recommendations to reduce the incidence and negative impact of child neglect and abuse in Victoria.

The Inquiry Panel, which also includes Emeritus Professor Dorothy Scott OAM and Mr Bill Scales AO, will consider written submissions and undertake extensive consultation across the State, to inform the Government on how to reduce child abuse and strengthen the protection of Victorian children who are at risk of, or have experienced neglect or abuse.

It will not consider individual cases or review individual organisations but will consult widely with relevant experts, service providers, families and children who have personally experienced child protection and out-of-home care, police, courts and carers.

Mr Cummins said the Inquiry would be non-adversarial, inclusive and as informal as possible.

“Public sittings and roundtable meetings will be held during the course of the inquiry in the Melbourne metropolitan area and across Victoria - from Mildura to Bairnsdale and from Wodonga to Warrnambool,” Mr Cummins said.

“The Panel will consult widely with a range of organisations including the Department of Human Services, Department of Justice, the Victorian Ombudsman, the Child Safety Commissioner, Victoria Police, the Children’s Court and State Coroner.

“We also encourage the input of children, young people and their families and want to ensure that through this process we provide solutions for the future.”

Recommendations will be made to the Minister for Community Services by 4 November, 2011.

The Panel released a Guide to making submissions which raises questions to be addressed during the course of the Inquiry. Written submissions close on Friday 15 April, 2011 and can be made by:

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The word ‘Submission’ should be entered in the subject line.

Mail: Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry, GPO Box 4708, Melbourne VIC

For more information on how to make a submission and to view the Terms of Reference go to www.childprotectioninquiry.vic.gov.au

MEDIA CONTACT: Melissa Arch 0400 933 772

Protecting Victoria's Vulnerable Children: inquiry launched

Monday 31 January 2011

"Premier Ted Baillieu today launched the inquiry Protecting Victoria's Vulnerable Children to comprehensively investigate systemic problems in Victoria's child protection system and make recommendations to strengthen and improve the protection and support of vulnerable young Victorians."

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