National
Foster carers in tears at child protection inquiry
Foster carers have broken down at parliamentary inquiry into Tasmania’s beleaguered child protection system, saying they feel unsupported.
The select committee, proposed by the Greens in response to the case of a 12-year-old girl who was sold for sex, has begun its hearings.
Two foster carers broke down giving evidence, telling the committee they feel unsupported by child protection services.
Corrie Bartle says her work to keep a teenage boy she was fostering was wasted when he returned to his father and stepmother.
She says the boy soon turned to drugs and petty crime and is now an inmate at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre.
Four Corners:
Dangerous Territory
Reporter: Quentin McDermott
Broadcast: 08/11/2010
Australia has an elaborate system of laws and child protection agencies that are meant to shield children from abuse and violence. Right now that system is in crisis. In city after city, state after state, it’s clear the system is not doing its job. This week reporter Quentin McDermott investigates the death of two young Australians. What he finds will horrify you.