Children in State Care

In reply to Ms HILDYARD (Reynell) (13 May 2021).

The Hon. R. SANDERSON (Adelaide—Minister for Child Protection): I have been advised:

The Department for Child Protection (DCP) monitors missing persons reports for children and young people in care at a state level.

It is important to note that DCP is required to report a young person as missing if they do not return home at the expected time or if they leave their home without permission. Reports are made even if the whereabouts of the young person is known.

Data issues impact the reliability of the data, particularly at a regional or local level, including variability in approaches to data entry between DCP and NGOs and an overstatement of MPRs given system limitations that preclude reclassification of MPRs once submitted (e.g. a child's location might become known). DCP is undertaking system improvements to enhance reporting capacity in this area.