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The following is our initial public statement in response to the Review of the DCJ Complaint System in respect of its Aboriginal Child Protection functions.
The full report can be read on the NSW Ombudsman’s website.
A formal response detailing how we will address the recommendations is being prepared and will be published within six months, in line with the Ombudsman’s recommendation.
A report by the NSW Ombudsman’s Office was tabled in Parliament on 6 November 2024. The report illustrates that the Department of Communities and Justice’s (DCJ) complaint system is not effectively meeting the needs of Aboriginal complainants in the child protection system.
The NSW Ombudsman has produced a report that reflects a deep understanding of the complexities of the child protection system and acknowledges the foundational improvements that are needed. The first of the 58 recommendations – that DCJ develop a plan for overarching system reform – is something that we have started through our new system reform division.
The insights in this report will help DCJ to improve our complaint handling system and capability. Well-functioning complaint handling processes are vitally important in the child protection system. It is critical that Aboriginal complainants feel heard and respected and are encouraged to make complaints about their experiences in the child protection system.
The NSW Ombudsman’s Report acknowledges the many committed and talented DCJ staff whose work handling complaints is often complex, sensitive and emotionally challenging. The Report also acknowledges the work currently underway to address racism within the child protection system.
DCJ acknowledges that there is much work to be done to develop a complaint system that is safe and accessible to Aboriginal people. We know that reform of our complaint system must be done in partnership with Aboriginal people.
A formal response detailing how we will address the recommendations is being prepared and will be published within six months, in line with the Ombudsman’s recommendation.
07 Nov 2024