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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-02-26 Daily Xml
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FAMILIES SA, CARE PLACEMENT

In reply to Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (25 September 2007).

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability, Minister Assisting the Premier in Cabinet Business and Public Sector Management): Due to confidentiality, it is not appropriate that I provide specifics regarding this case which may identify the child and family. I can, however advise the following.

The child in question was not arrested for theft. She was found to be shoplifting by Westfield security and made an undertaking that she would not go to Westfield Marion without a parent or guardian for three months.

This child is not under the care of the minister. Her father is her legal guardian and is responsible for her care until she attains the age of 18 years, unless court orders have been made to remove that responsibility. The father has signed a parental authority to place to allow Families SA, Department for Families and Communities to assist his daughter in seeking accommodation as she requests.

The situation of this child's relationship with her 18 year old boyfriend was referred by Families SA to South Australia Police (SAPOL) on 24 September 2007. Until 27 September 2007, the child was living with the sister of her boyfriend's step-father. I understand that the child was assisted to secure foster placement accommodation on 27 September 2007. However, the following day she refused Families SA's offer to assist her with accommodation. Later that evening, police from SAPOL's Sturt station contacted Families SA's crisis response unit, who organised an emergency placement from 28 September 2007 to 1 October 2007.

The child was then offered further accommodation on 2 October 2007, but has since refused this placement. Families SA will continue working with the child and her father to address her accommodation needs and to facilitate other supports.

If a child cannot be located by a parent, and the parent cannot understand why the child has gone or if he or she is safe, the child should be immediately reported to SAPOL as missing.

If a parent is aware of where the child is residing and has serious concerns regarding the child's safety and wellbeing, the matter should be reported to SAPOL or to the child abuse report line on 13 14 78.

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