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.

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